Vihiga Queens head coach Benson Nyamunyamu is confident his team will pick up three points against arch-rivals Gaspo Women in a Kenya Women’s Premier League match at Stima Club on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams fiercely competed last season with Vihiga Queens clinching the KWPL title ahead of their matchday opponents.
Nyamunyamu acknowledged Gaspo's formidable competition and expressed his enthusiasm for reigniting the rivalry.
"Gaspo are still title contenders just like last season. They are the biggest threat to our title charge. We have to get maximum points on Saturday and make known our intention of winning the league again," said Nyamunyamu.
Reflecting on their recent 1-1 draw against Kenya Police Bullets (formerly Thika Queens), Nyamunyamu stressed the importance of staying focused.
"We lost focus against Police. They have a good history but none of us have picked up maximum points in this match. We have to concentrate against Gaspo since this will be a tough fixture and they are at home," he added.
Vihiga Queens will be without striker Anita Namata, who is on national team duties in Uganda, preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers.
Gaspo's assistant coach, James Ombeng is equally confident ahead of the encounter.
Gaspo secured their first victory of the season by defeating newcomers Bungoma Queens 1-0 at Stima Club last weekend.
"It will be a tight game because Vihiga have always brought tough competition to us but we are positive since we have trained well. My girls lacked concentration in our last match but we have worked on that. We are alert and going for the three points," said Ombeng.
Meanwhile, there are doubts over the availability of striker Emily Okute.
"Okute is crucial to our team, especially now that we have lost many of our key players from last season. She is part of this new team, adapting to the league. She sustained an injury against Bungoma and although we assessed her, we are uncertain if she will be in the starting lineup," said Ombeng.
In other matches, Police Bullets host Wadadia at Police Sacco Stadium while Bernard Kitolo’s Zetech Sparks will face newcomers Madira Soccer Assassins at Mumboha grounds.
Kibera Soccer Ladies challenge Ulinzi Starlets at the Wolves Den, Bungoma Queens host Trans Nzoia Falcons at Sudi Stadium and Bunyore Starlets face Nakuru City Queens at Nakuru A.S.K grounds.
