As the 2021/22 Kenya Women Premier League (WPL) season got underway on the weekend, Kisumu All Starlets went down 6-0 to visiting Gaspo Women but coach Said Juma says the results are no cause for worry. According to the tactician, the loss to a side that is now home to two of his former players in Mercy Airo and Bertha Omitta who scored one and three goals respectively in the win, was down to having a thin squad for various reasons and a lapse in concentration from the players that did duty. Turbulent times for WPL newbies KangemiThe side lost one of their best defensive midfielders, Harambee Starlets Mercyline Wayodi ahead of the new season as she left for three-time WPL and CECAFA club chains Vihiga Queens. Additionally, the tactician had to work with a lean squad with five of his key players out for various reasons. Their lead striker Lydia Ruth was also unable to play the entire match, leaving midday to attend her graduation ceremony. “We had not had a good pre-season as I am still recruiting and some of my kep players are also unavailable due to school and work. On the weekend, I missed the likes of Vivian Wanjiru Nancy Atieno, Prudence Mboya, Jacinta Anyango and Pauline Naise for various reasons. KENYA WOMEN PREMIER LEAGUE SCORE.FT: Kisumu All Starlets 0 – 6 Gaspo Women. ⚽⚽⚽ Omita Bertha.⚽ Corazone Aquino.⚽ Mercy Airo⚽ Elizabeth Wambui.—-FT: Wadadia 6 – 0 Bunyore Starlets.⚽ Faith Atieno. ⚽⚽⚽ Cathy Khaemba⚽ Monica Sungura.⚽ Miriam Chelagat.— Bree Mo’ngina! (@beebree0) December 19, 2021 We also had to rely on one goalkeeper, fresh from her brother’s burial and she had not trained well and isn’t have, understandably, not been in the right frame of mind. It was not a good day for us but I have to applaud the players for stepping up and giving it their all,” said Juma. Standings The tactician believes better will come from the squad. He has made three new signings, bringing in youngster who have the potential to steer his ship in the right direction when they catch on league action. “The next match I believe will be better. We conceded two goals from corner kicks and two were own goals. If we can polish up a few areas and have a full squad and the players in the right frame of mind the positive results will come,” added Juma who travels to Nairobi on 28 December for the final clash of 2021 against Zetech Sparks.
