All is set for WPL kick-off
Lynette Matheka and Gibo Zachary
As Wycliffe Ngoko makes his debut as head coach in women’s football top tier with Eldoret Falcons, he will have 11 youngsters alongside him to experience the game at that level for the first time.
Ahead of the new season that kicks off on Sunday, the Eldoret-based side made 11 new signings of players largely drawn from high school teams.
Falcons, playing in Zone B of the Women Premier League open their season away to Kitale-based Trans Nzoia Falcons where the tactician hopes to get his ship sailing on a winning note.
“I joined the team at the beginning of the year in anticipation of the season that was set to play from March.
This will be my first time in charge of a top tier side and I am confident we have build enough mental resilience, despite a young squad, to compete at the same level with the top teams,” said Ngoko.
Not on holiday
The team, while maintaining that they are in the league as competitors and not just participants, believes that having a young squad will help give the next generation of players a chance to showcase their talent.
Those who have joined the side are goalkeepers Belinda Nalianya who from Technical University of Kenya and Rasoa Mpayia from Ibinzo.
Ngoko will have Mary Ojenge from Nyakach Girls, Marion Wali from Wundanyi, Leah Nashimiyu and Ludya Aoko from Malava and Kwale Girls respectively manning his defence.
In midfield, Falcons have made four new additions in Providence Khasiala from Nyakach, Faith Masai from Malava, Noel Shilachiro previously with Bishop Njenga and Consolata Akinyi who turned out for Siaya Starlets. Faith Muli from Masinga will add to Falcons’ striking force.
Falcons will, however, do without the services of key shot stopper Annete Kundu and defender Ruth Ingosi who in February landed professional deals in Cyprus.
Additionally, the experience of Janet Bundi who has since decamped to champions Vihiga Queens and Judith Nechesa who joined Zetech Sparks will be felt.
