Women Premier League (WPL) super cup and women’s cup champions Ulinzi Starlets were the biggest winners on the weekend as the league resumed after a two-week break. Opening the second leg against bottom-placed Kangemi Ladies, the soldiers picked a crucial 7-0 that puts them ahead on the race to catch up with league leaders Vihiga Queens. On their part, Vihiga picked a close 1-0 win away in Nakuru to maintain their unbeaten run and ensure their nine-point cushion at the top remains. ICYMI | Collated results from this weekend’s #FKFWPL action.Big wins for Ulinzi Starlets and Gaspo as Vihiga Queens stay top and unbeaten pic.twitter.com/7F3LNe4xbg— FKF Caretaker – Women (@fkfcc_women) April 3, 2022 The race for the title is getting tougher and if anyone other than Vihiga is to realise the dream of lifting the title, they will need to have a perfect run while hoping the three-time champions drop points along the way. Ulinzi’s Diana Shakava who skippered the soldiers to a second-place finish at the end of the first leg believes the title is within reach and the massive win in Sunday’s match is a step in the right direction to fighting for the title on their second season in the top tier league. “We had a perfect start to the second leg and we needed such a scoreline. The players gave it their all as we knew how important maximum points are going forward. The goals also help us maintain the goal difference between us and the teams behind us. We are tied on points with Gaspo and any advantage we can get is welcome,” said Shakava. Coach Joseph Mwanza has a relatively young squad and for the better part of the first leg was missing some key players who were out on other military duties. Race for WPL title continues with exciting clashes in the second legWhile some of the key players are expected to rejoin the team in the second leg, the tactician has also made a few additions to the squad. Additionally, some of his first leg signings have become an integral part of the team, top of the list being youngsters Lanoline Aoko and Providence Mukalo. “Our target in the second leg is to pick maximum points in all matches, which will be no mean feat. That’s the only way we can compete with Vihiga and the other teams for the title. Despite Sunday’s win, we still have work to do on utilizing any chance we get going forward,” added Shakava. While the battle for the top has been reduced to a chase for Vihiga, another contest is emerging at the bottom of the table as teams scramble to leave the red zone. Kangemi Ladies woes continue as they are yet to pick a second win and their start to the second leg does not inspire a lot of confidence. The side had a rocky start to their stint in the top tier league as divisions leg to the side playing without a majority of the players who helped the side gain relegation.When the issues were addressed and the players made a return, things did not get any better as the team struggled to gel and catch up with the rest of the WPL sides. Following the matches, Vihiga Queens top the log with 35 points from 12 matches while Ulinzi Starlets are second with 25 having played the same number of matches.
