Simba Queens axe Situma after poor season

Serengeti Lite Women's Premier League (SLWPL) side Simba Queens have parted ways with Harambee Starlets striker Topister Situma in a mutual agreement after she failed to impress during her short stint with the Tanzanian topflight side.

Simba manager Selemani Makanya has exclusively confirmed the development in an interview with Citizen Digital, noting that they were forced to terminate her contract prematurely to allow her to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Situma joined Simba, who finished as runners-up in the just concluded season three points behind champions JKT Queens Women on July 6, 2022, from Vihiga Queens in a bid to fuel their quest to conquer the CECAFA Women's Championship following three domestic titles on the bounce.

"It's true that we have decided to part ways with Situma in a mutual agreement with a year left on her contract.

"To be sincere, we had a lot of expectations for her, but she really impressed, occasioned by her being benched for the better part of the season."

Situma had to contend with jostling for a starting role against Opah Clement Sanga, who later decamped to the Turkish side Besiktas, a situation Makanya feels "demoralized her" due to limited playing time.

"We had no other option but to end the contract to free her to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

"She is a good player who is very disciplined and can do well if she gets an opportunity to play regularly," added Makanya.

Her move to the Msimbazi-based side was crowded by her decision to abruptly terminate her contract with Vihiga Queens, the side he had helped win the Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) 2021-2022 season after a hugely successful campaign in which she netted 17 goals.

The move made her the fifth Kenyan player to feature for the Serengeti Lite Women's Premier League alongside former Gaspo midfielder Corazone Vivian Aquino, ex-Tanzanian Women Premier League side Gates Princess keeper Carolyne Rufa, former Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk forward Jentirx Shikangwa, and defender Ruth Ingosti.

When reached for comment, Situma was tightlipped regarding the development; however, promising to divulge the details of the divorce in future.

 "I'm currently in Kenya after the Tanzania league ended.

"I can't say more about the deal since it is non-disclosure.

"Right now I need to take a break but I will shed more light soon on the matter."

Situma, who hails from Kituni village, Webuye in Bungoma County, started her football career by featuring for the Kituni Primary school team before joining Bishop Njenga in Kakamega County and later Vihiga Queens.