FC Talanta head coach Jackline Juma reckons she can assert authority on her debut season in the Kenyan Premier League season.
She will be the first woman tactician to take charge of a top-flight club after guiding Gor Mahia Queens in the women's Division One last season.
The tactician believes she is prepared for the challenging start against Sofapaka, led by experienced gaffer Robert Matano.
"I am ready for this new and thrilling experience. Looking forward to our match against Sofapaka," she said.
"We are determined to perform well in the league and we hope to finish among the top 10, if possible."
The encounter is among eight fixtures lined up for this weekend, following a three-week international break that coincided with the opening day of the 2024/25 season.
12-time champions Tusker battle Kariobangi Sharks at Nairobi's Dandora Stadium.
The brewers are eager to win two games in a row after opening the season with a 1-0 victory over Sofapaka. But they face an opponent who took four points in their fixtures last year.
Tusker head coach Charles Okere exuded confidence ahead of the tie.
"We are prepared and ready. We are taking each game as it comes this season, and the three-week break has given us enough time to improve on some areas that were not working in our first game."
Sharks, who lost several key squad members in the most recent transfer window, opened the season with a scoreless draw against KCB and are hoping for a victory to boost their campaign.
Their enterprising midfielder Stanley Wilson moved to AIK in Sweden while their dependable marksman John Makwatta found a new home in Tanzania.
Winger Julius Masaba moved to AFC Leopards and defender Geoffrey Onyango joined Kenya Police.
Despite the departures, coach William Muluya reckons he still has a formidable squad eager to claim the scalp of the brewers. Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United play in the early kickoff.
