Women’s Cup and Super Cup champions Ulinzi Starlets have their work cut out in their quest to clinch the only missing women’s football gong, the Premier League title, this season. The military side, fifth on the log after four WPL rounds, are without first-choice goalkeeper Maureen Shimuli as well as her counterpart Mejuma Kombo leaving coach Joseph Mwanza to rely on Valentine Khwaka who joined the soldiers this season from Zetech Sparks. “Shimuli will be back in about a month’s time while Kombo is away for nine months as she has just joined Recruits Training School (RTS). Shimuli’s return will be a huge boost as she brings with her a lot of experience in the squad,” offered skipper Diana Shakava. PERFECT RUN !@Vihigaqueens are the only unbeaten team after four rounds of the #FKFWPL pic.twitter.com/UdPMNRWeVz— FKF Caretaker – Women (@fkfcc_women) January 9, 2022 Additionally, the side will miss the services of experienced forward Lucy Mukhwana, fullback Joan Naitutu as well as Lucy Nato “Career progression is just as important for us so Mukhwana will be away on other military training for the next three months. The other two, just like Kombo have joined RTS so we do not expect them back for the next nine months,” She added; “Missing the said players will be felt, it has been a challenge, as they are part of our depth as a squad. However, we cannot dwell on their absence. This has prompted everyone to step up and fill the gap said players have left. No one else can deliver for the team so we have to work as a unit to churn results in each outing. This has prompted everyone to step up and fill the gap said players have left. No one else can deliver for the team so we have to work as a unit to churn results in each outing.” Mkufunzi wa Ulinzi Starlets alikua na yepi ya kusema baada ya mechi yao dhidi ya @BunyoreStarlets? Tazama!#FKFWPL @IshmaelNjengah pic.twitter.com/IecylKcY0j— FKF Caretaker – Women (@fkfcc_women) January 9, 2022 The captain, who took over the armband from Neddy Atieno upon retirement says she has big shoes to fit but exuded confidence in leading the side. “It has not been easy, there has been pressure for the team to perform but I have had immense backing from the playing unit and the technical bench. If we keep churning good results, then the job gets easier for me and the rest of the squad. I am honoured that they entrusted me with the armband and I am hoping to guide them to greater achievements,” she said. Starlets began the season with a 6-2 win against Kangemi Ladies before falling to three-time league champions Vihiga Queens 2-0. Away to Wadadia, the soldiers played for a draw before picking a 6-0 victory against Bunyore Starlets on the weekend.
