Kenya Police Bullets tactician Beldine Odemba is elated with the Football Kenya Federation’s move to include Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL) in the annual football awards for the first time.
Odemba said the move will most likely spur women’s football to higher level.
“The rewards to KWPL players and coaches is a great motivation and will no doubt change the game,” Odemba said.
The tactician said what women’s football lacks is publicity and a consistent fan base.
“As we prepare for the 2024/2025 season, we urge Kenyans to support our girls’ teams and hear them out as well,” she cited.
Last season, KWPL started with 12 teams but ended with 10 after Trans Nzoia Falcons and Gaspo Ladies were relegated due to financial crisis.
She said it’s time sponsors came on board to help build the women’s league. Odemba was awarded the Coach of the Year award last week.
Odemba led Kenya Police Bullets to win the 2023/2024 Kenya Women’s Premier League unbeaten.
Tumaini Waliaula of Vihiga Queens won the Golden Boot after emerging top scorer.
Vihiga Queens were further awarded the Fair Play and Best Team on social media awards during the FKF Awards held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi
Sophy Akinyi of Vihiga Queens and Judith Osimbo of Ulinzi Starlets were crowned as the best keepers of the concluded 2023 /2024 season.
Vihiga Queens’ tactician Boniface Nyamunyamu said despite failing to defend the trophy, they still have reasons to smile.
“We had the best keeper despite sharing the award with Ulinzi Starlets. We also won the top scorer’s award as well as emerging the best team in the league and on social media,” Nyamunyamu said.
Police Bullets’ Lydia Akoth was awarded Female Player of the Year and Josephine Wanjiku was awarded the Best Referee of the Year.
Mildred Cheche took the FKF President’s Award after leading the Junior Harambe Starlets to the World Cup.