Ulinzi Starlets start preps for Women’s Premier League ties
Soon after the Kenya Women’s Premier League fixtures were released on Monday morning, Ulinzi Starlets head coach Joseph Mwanza and his charges hit the ground running, officially opening their team training at their Kahawa base.
Mwanza is banking on squad depth to make their debut count as they look to fight for their maiden title in the top flight.
The league is scheduled to kick off on November 28 and conclude on May 9, before heading to the play-offs where four top teams from each zone will compete.
Starlets were yet to play their first match of the season when WPL was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the time, their opponents had players in the national team which was taking part in the Turkey Cup invitational tournament.
“We are just getting started with training and have about three weeks to get ready for the season.
I am yet to have all the players report for training since they had other work commitments elsewhere.
However, I am confident by next week I will have a clear picture of the squad that I will use for the season,” said the tactician.
The military side has been thrown in the deep end for their opener, pitted against former champions Thika Queens on November 29.
The side will play three more matches against Kayole Starlets, Kibera Girls and Mathare before the league breaks for the festivities.
Ahead of the suspended season, the military side had made several signings as the tactician anticipated tougher competition in the top tier and to cover the absence of five of his key players who were set to miss the season.
Those who had joined the Kahawa based team in March included Jane Kyalo, a striker and her counterpart Diana Shakava.
Shida Awuor and former Wadadia player Lucy Nato to strengthen the midfield, Christine Nakale and Sophia Adhiambo roped in from Trans Nzoia Falcons in defence, as well as Belinda Akinyi a goalkeeper signed from Mathare.
From the squad that did duty to see Ulinzi Starlets (formerly Kahawa Starlets) promoted from the Division One League, Mwanza was set to miss the services of five key players, had the league continued in March, as they were deployed for other military duties.
