Ulinzi Starlets to give their all in FKF Cup title defense, says Wambua

Ulinzi Starlets have shifted their focus to the FKF Women’s Cup, after conceding their dream of clinching the FKF Women’s Premier League (KWPL) is now shuttered.

According to head coach Joseph Wambua, Ulinzi will still give their best in the remaining league matches but will be keen on the Cup which they also won last season.

The soldiers stormed to the quarter finals after securing a 3-0 victory against Royal Starlets in the Round of 16 match held on Sunday, March 24 at the Ndura Sports Complex.

While Wambua openly discusses their hunger to retain the title, he is aware of the hurdles ahead of them.

 “We are meeting a very good team - Milima Queens who saw off KWPL side Nakuru City Queens. It’s a tough side because I watched their match against Nakuru which they won by 3-0 and I noted some of their strengths and weaknesses going to the match.

“It will be also a good chance to scout more talents considering that they play in lower division league and tapping some of the talent will be a huge step for players and the game at large. Their team is composed of high school players more so from Wiyeta Girls and they can comfortably take on any Premier League side. They did so with Nakuru and as it was witnessed in the Kisiwa Starlets match versus Vihiga Queens, with Kisiwa beating the four-time KWPL champions.”

Wambua who is gradually returning to his position after being out of the team for more than a month as he was under medication, has noted increased competitiveness in the tournament.

“This Cup has contributed more in developing women football in the country. The lower division sides are very determined and they play knowing that it’s a chance to showcase their talents to the Premier League sides. That alone has added flavour to the women football. Since we lost against Police FC a fortnight ago, it’s clear that we are out of the race to win the KWPL title and all our focus now is on the FKF Women’s cup. We are the champions and we must ensure we fight for it,” opined Wambua.

The Premier League takes a break this weekend to pave way for the Cup, and it will resume on April 7.

Ulinzi are placed second on the log with 29 points eight behind the newbies Kenya Police Bullets while Vihiga Queens are third with 28 points.