KWPL: Zetech Sparks relish league break, aim for strong bounce back

Zetech Sparks head coach Harriet Fakher believes the two-week break in the Kenyan Women Premier League will give her side ample time to prepare for their postponed fixture against Ulinzi Starlets at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Only two league fixtures were played last weekend, with the rest postponed due to the involvement of several players in national team duty. Harambee Starlets and Rising Starlets (U20) are currently preparing for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, respectively.

The Harambee Starlets have already commenced preparations for the 2026 WAFCON, with a mini-camp for locally based players that began yesterday and will run until February 6.

On their part, the Rising Starlets have intensified preparations ahead of their third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. Kenya will host the first leg on February 7 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi before traveling to Tanzania for the return leg on February 14 at the Azam Complex.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Fakher said the break will be crucial in addressing areas of weakness as the team seeks redemption following a narrow 1–0 defeat to defending champions Kenya Police Bullets on Saturday, January 24.

The defeat left Zetech Sparks fifth on the league table with 21 points, while Police Bullets remain top with 31 points.

“The two-week break will give me time to continue preparing my players and to correct our weaknesses, especially in converting chances. Although there is a break in terms of matches, training continues as scheduled.

We are focusing on sharpening our skills and improving our tactical play as we prepare for the upcoming fixtures because we want to collect maximum points in every match,” said Fakher.

Midfielders Sunira Manda and Susan Akoth, who are part of the Rising Starlets squad, and defender Sherril Muyela of the Harambee Starlets are the three Zetech Sparks players currently on national duty.

In a move to strengthen the squad, the varsity side has signed five new players to replace an equal number who exited after completing their studies. The new recruits are Sunira Manda (Moi Girls), Joy Marvelous (Butere Girls), Kweyu (free agent), Brenda Omondi (Uweza), and Celestine Aludo (Butere Girls).

“As a university team, we rely heavily on students pursuing different courses, and we recruit many young players directly from schools. So far, I’m impressed with how quickly the new players have settled into the squad,” Fakher added.

Meanwhile, in the two fixtures played on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Trinity Queens were held to a goalless draw by Kibera Soccer Women at Comboni Polytechnic Grounds. Kisumu All Starlets, on the other hand, suffered a 2–1 defeat to Kayole Ladies at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, with goals from Lynda Kihara and Mercy Mang’uro.