•Mwanza expressed his confidence in facing formidable opponents, stating that big matches are often easier to win due to the focused approach they require.
•Currently placed third in the league standings after four games, Ulinzi Starlets have secured two wins, one draw, and suffered one loss.
Image: FILE
Ulinzi Starlets' head coach, Joseph Mwanza is plotting how to bring down Kenya Police Bullets in the Kenya Women's Premier League.
The highly-anticipated derby clash will take place at the Ulinzi Sports Complex this Sunday.
Mwanza expressed readiness to face formidable opponents, stating that big matches are often easier to win due to the focused approach they require.
"A derby is always tough, but playing against strong teams forces everyone to employ tactics, which are easier to counter. Bullets have competitive players, and my team is prepared for the challenge," Mwanza remarked.
Currently placed third in the league standings after four games, Ulinzi Starlets have secured two wins, one draw, and suffered one loss.
Mwanza emphasized the significance of derbies, explaining that they define the coach's abilities.
''Such games define you as a coach. They show if your progress is good or not. You also get new experiences. Bullets have a champion mentality and if you watch their matches, you can see they are determined to win the league. For us to beat them, we also need to bring our champions mentality to the pitch," he added.
He acknowledged the championship mentality of Police and Vihiga Queens, identifying them as major competitors in the league.
''Right now we are mostly competing with Police and Vihiga in the first leg. We will see in the second leg because the newcomers Madira are doing very well considering they are new and haven't lost even one match. Such are teams we can not afford to write off," Mwanza said.
Reflecting on their 1-1 draw against Kibera Soccer Ladies last weekend, Mwanza considered it a setback and emphasised the team's determination to bounce back.
''Picking up only point was a setback for us. We have to move on from that result because luck was not on our side. Now we are focused on this derby and getting back to winning ways," added Mwanza.
Ulinzi Starlets will be without Phasila Adhiambo, who will be representing the national team, Rising Starlets, in their U-20 World Cup qualification game against Cameroon on November 10.
On the other hand, Kenya Police Bullets, boasting two wins and a draw in three games, are aiming for their third victory in a bid to maintain their title charge.
In other league fixtures, Zetech Sparks host Bungoma Queens at Imani Stadium on Saturday.
On Sunday, Vihiga Queens face Trans Nzoia Falcons at Ndura Sports Complex, while Nakuru City Queens will take on Kibera Soccer Ladies at A.S.K Grounds.