Coach Daniel Arunga has painted a bleak picture of what his team Bunyore Starlets, if not most of the self-sponsored sides in the Women Premier League (WPL), have to go through to honour away matches. In the wake of delayed release of monies from the Caretaker Committee that had promised Ksh 300,000 in grants for top tier teams, Arunga says his team has been forced to do everything to cut down on costs and their results have suffered. Thika Queens thump Bunyore StarletsOn the weekend, Bunyore travelled away to Thika where they faced title holders Thika Queens suffering a 3-0 loss that the tactician has blamed to a large extent on fatigue for his players.”We left Vihiga on Saturday at 9pm snd travelled overnight to Thika, arriving early Sunday morning. We got the players a place to freshen up and get breakfast before the march was set for 1pm. The players barely slept before a crucial match. It, therefore, took almost the entire first half for them to settle in the match and play our game. By the time they were getting settled, Thika were up 2-0 and I can blame this on the lack of sharpness and focus associated with exhaustion,” offered Arunga. Their journey back to Vihiga was also not short of drama as, according to the tactician, it took them a bit of time to get fuel out of Nairobi for their journey and they arrived early Monday morning. “The players have been left really demoralised and yet we are expected to prepare them for another away trip to Nakuru on the weekend where we play Nakuru Queens. I am not sure, if nothing changes, they will have the morale to honour the match,” added Arunga.The tactician further revealed that the county government who are their other sponsors are yet to release funds to any of the teams either. According tk the tactician, his team has been giving better results when they do not have the external issues affecting his players.”The performance against Wadadia at home is evident we have a winning squad when they are at their best. If we have an equal playing ground, then the league will be better. As at now, only the teams with the financial muscle will carry the day,” he offered.After the weekend action Vihiga Queens’ lead was cut down to seven points, down from nine, following a one-all draw against Ulinzi Starlet.With 13 games played, the Boniface Nyamunyamu-led side remains unbeaten with Gaspo Women jumping to second place following their 1-4 win to Kayole Starlets that’s took their points tally to 28. Vihiga lead at 35. FULL TIME…Vihiga Queens Football CLUB 1:1 Ulinzi Starlets Football Club P.Kadari 40″Wako na bahati sana😅😅#VihigaQueens#LegacyMakers— Vihiga Queens FC (@Vihigaqueens) April 10, 2022 Ulinzi are third at 26 points, tied on points with holders Thika Queens but with a much superior goal difference. In fifth place is Transnzoia Falcons, a point behind the two following their hard-fought 4-3 victory over Kangemi Ladies. Falcons won the seven-goal thriller, coming twice from behind to take the lead thanks to goals from Elizabeth Nafula, a Martha Karani brace and Noel Amutata.Fasila Odhiambo, the most valuable player (MVP) during the division one playoffs that saw her team Kangemi, alongside Bunyore, gain promotion to the top tier, scored a hattrick fir Kangemi in the loss. Zetech Sparks picked a 1-3 win away to Nakuru Queens to move to sixth at 18 points, relegating Nakuru who played for a one all draw against Wadadia FC to seventh position at 16 points. Kangemi Ladies, Kayole Starlets and Kisumu All Starlets remain in the relegation zone with Wadadia just a place above the red zone as the relegation battle continues. Weekend ResultsSunday 10 April 2022Vihiga Queens 1-1 Ulinzi StarletsThika Queens 3-0 Bunyore StarletsTrans Nzoia Falcons 4-3 Kangemi LadiesSaturday 9 April 2022Kayole Starlets 1-4 Gaspo WomenKisumu All Starlets 1-3 Zetech SparksWadadia 1-1 Nakuru City Queens
