Vihiga Queens’ coach Boniface Nyamunyamu believes the arrival of five key players will be crucial in reclaiming the Women’s Premier League title.
Queens brought in goalkeeper Mercy Akoth, defenders Maureen Esei and Christine Adhiambo, midfielder Mercilyne Awino and striker Swaumu Masungo from Nyakach Girls’ during the January transfer window.
Nyamunyamu said the players have settled well at their new club with Masungo scoring and assisting in their 2-2 draw against Ulinzi Starlets over the weekend.
“The players have gelled well with the rest of the team. We now know what should be improved to achieve our expectations. As a coach, it’s all about going back to the drawing board and working on the mental strength in preparation for the task ahead,” said Nyamunyamu.
Meanwhile, Nyamunyamu and his Ulinzi counterpart, Collins Oduor expressed their optimism about an improved quality of play in the women’s top division.
Oduor took over from Stephen Olouch who was working on an interim basis till December 10, last year after the demise of coach Joseph Mwanza.
Oduor said with the kind of competition being displayed, players and teams must be astute in their execution.
“The title race is down to mental strength and that’s how I have prepared my players,” Oduor said.
“The league is very competitive this year and anyone can win it.”
Bullets lead the standings with 25 points from 12 matches—the same as second-placed Kibera Soccer.
Queens are third,—four points adrift of the leaders while Bungoma ( 20 points) and Ulinzi Starlets ( 19 points) round off the top five.
Oduor believes they are still in contention for a maiden title, especially after dominant results before they were held by Vihiga Queens.
Vihiga beat Wadadia 5-0 and Bunyore Starlets 2-0 in their earlier matches.
Elsewhere, Nyamunyamu expects newly appointed captain Prudence Khasiala to propel the team to greater heights in the remaining bit of the leg.
Khasiala took over Vihiga Queens’ captaincy after Maureen Achieng joined Indian Super League side East Bengal. Nyamunyamu said:
“This was a
good opportunity to accord Khasiala the role. She initially rejected
the position but we talked to her
and she agreed.”
