Underwhelming Vihiga Queens eye top three finish

Four times Kenyan Women Premier League (KWPL) champions Vihiga Queens have set their sights on finishing in the top three following a dismal season that has seen them concede their title to runaway Kenya Police Bullets.

The Vihiga-based side is currently placed third on the 12 teamed league with 28 points, nine behind the leaders, while Ulinzi starlets occupies second position with 29 points.

Their display this season is a far cry from their towering form that saw them represent the East Africa region in the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions’ League in Cairo, Egypt, in 2021.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, head coach Boniface Nyamunyamuh cited the untimely departure of their five main players, who ditched the side for greener pastures for their performance, however, maintain their faith in finishing in the top three.  

“We lost five of the first eleven players, whom I believe have been affected the performance with a higher percentage.

“The signings we did didn’t match their standards and we have a huge task to ensure they have jelled well with others.

“We are two matches less compared to our top two opponents. Police and Ulinzi has played 15 matches and we have played 13, meaning if we win the matches, then we shall have closed the gap with a big percentage.

“To me, I still believe we have the chance to defend our title and if we fail to achieve, we can finish among top three.

“I want to urge our fans to continue offering us their support and we shall not let them down.” He explained.

Queens skipper Mareen Ater Achieng echoed the coach's sentiments, tipping his side to roar back soon.

“It is normal to struggle in a league, but that doesn't mean that we have lost it all. We are still focused and we believe with the new recruits, shall start winning.

“Most of them we acquired fresh from school, where they were used to a different style of play as opposed to the league but now they are jellying well.

“We have had problems scoring. Utilizing scoring chances has been our major problem but through training, we believe we will overcome that.”

The five main players who ditched the side include Marceline Wayodi (Kampala Queens, Uganda) Winnie Babirye (Makerere Queens, Uganda) Janet Bundi (Yanga Princess, Tanzania) and Martha Obatta (Sethu FC).