KWPL: Kayole Starlets cast eyes on top-five finish

Kayole Starlets head coach Mary Adhiambo is targeting a top-five finish in the Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) urging her players to keep pushing after their latest victory.

The Harambee Starlets legend guided the Kayole-based side to a crucial 2-0 win over four-time champions Vihiga Queens on Saturday, December 6, at the Kasarani Annex. Lynda Kihara and Euphrasier Shilwatso struck in the 30th and 75th minutes respectively to secure maximum points.

The victory lifted Kayole Starlets to second place on the log with 16 points—just one behind leaders Trinity Starlets. Defending champions Kenya Police Bullets, Ulinzi Starlets, and Zetech Sparks complete the top five with 15, 14, and 14 points respectively.

“I want to thank the players and the entire technical team for the good job they have been doing,” said Adhiambo. “Teamwork and determination propelled us to the win against Vihiga. They were a worthy opponent, but we were too good for them. Since gaining promotion to the Premier League, our aim has been to avoid relegation at all costs and at least finish in the top five—and that is what we are looking to achieve.”

Adhiambo, however, expressed concern over injuries to a few key players.

“I have one major injury doubt in Peris Oside, who is recuperating well. Our captain, Hellen Ochieng, also picked up a knock in the Ulinzi fixture. My hope is that they will be fine soon and return to the squad, probably by the weekend.”

Kayole Starlets now shift focus to a tough clash against league leaders Trinity Starlets on Saturday, December 13, at Comboni Polytechnic Grounds in Gilgil.

Elsewhere, at Bungoma Polytechnic, Bungoma Queens defeated Zetech Sparks 2-0, while Kibera Soccer Ladies registered a similar 2-0 win over Kisumu All Starlets at Marist University in Karen. At Mumboha Stadium in Luanda, Madira Soccer Assassins fell 3-1 to Trinity Starlets.

On Sunday, newcomers Gideon Starlets edged Kisped 1-0 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu courtesy of a Marceline Wafula (Dogo) strike. Meanwhile, defending champions Kenya Police Bullets suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ulinzi Starlets at the Police Sacco Stadium.