Women Premier League (WPL) champions Thika Queens are looking to bounce back from the shocking defeat to debutants Bunyore Starlets when they host arch-rivals Gaspo Women at Thika Stadium on Wednesday 5 January. The Benta Achieng-coached side lost 2-1 to Bunyore in their last outing, a result that left them eighth on the log before Tuesday’s matches. DERBY DAY! #kiambuderby THIKA VS GASPO🏟️Thika Stadium⏱️ 3: 00 PMWED 5TH JAN 2022 pic.twitter.com/BAmMc4s4i1— Thika Queens Football Club (@ThikaQueensFC) January 3, 2022 However, team manager Granton Muganga is confident his charges have put the disappointing result behind them and are ready to rumble against the on-form Gaspo. “Training has been good and the morale in camp is high. We are angling for maximum points against Gaspo, which I have to admit will be no mean feat. We have talked to the girls, just to make them understand that losing is part of the sport. WPL: Ulinzi on a redemption path as they face WadadiaAs we head to the match, we know Gaspo are out to exert revenge. We won both home and away matches in the Derby last season and they have scores to settle but we are ready,” said Muganga. The manager admitted that the dynamics for the match are different now, following the exit of forwards Mwanahalima Adam and Esse Akida as well as defender Dorcas Shikobe who were instrumental in the team winning their first league title in three years. “It is a different ball game but I am impressed by how the new players are coming up. Such high intensity matches are a good test for the youngsters. It will help them gain confidence in the league and shape how they show up for other opponents as the league progresses,” added the team manager. Gaspo face Thika test in mid-week actionMeanwhile, Ulinzi Starlets are also looking to bounce back to winning ways as they play away to Wadadia FC. The military side is coming off a 2-1 loss to three-time champions Vihiga Queens.
