Vihiga Queens captain Marceline Wayodi has revealed the three major reasons that inspired the team to reclaim their Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) title after pipping a committed Gaspo Queens to the 2022/2023.It was a title chase that promised to go down to the wire as, Gaspo led Vihiga on goal difference for a while in the second leg but, the Bonface Nyamunyamu coached side showed mettle and character to claim the title with a match to spare.This is after Gaspo played to consecutive draws against Ulinzi Starlets and Wadadia in the homestretch while Vihiga beat Nakuru City Queens 2-1 to secure their fourth title after last season’s campaign, was annulled by Football Kenya Federation.Vihiga Queens clinch WPL title as Gaspo faltersSpeaking ahead of their award ceremony, Wayodi pointed to the team’s focus, teamwork and support from the senior members in the squad as the major reasons that gave them the title winning edge.“We have been playing like a family and anytime we won, drew or lost, we did so as a team. What really pushed us also are the senior players and the teamwork that was there whenever we lost helped us to be there for each other.We also maintained to focus just on ourselves, we never panicked and never looked at the others,” she said.Champions!!!Congratulations @Vihigaqueensfc 🎉#FKFWPL pic.twitter.com/DJ1Lpht3YE— FKF Women Premier League (@FKF_WPL) May 22, 2023 Having reclaimed the title from Thika Queens, who won it the 2020/2021 , Wayodi gave credit to their challengers for bringing the best out of the team as she called on Queens to start thinking about defending their crown.“The league has been very challenging and amazing at the same time. I would love to acknowledge all the teams that participated in the league because they gave us a very big challenge and that itself came with extra work which needed me to be there for the team in its target of lifting the title this season##NAJAVA_MECA_7277210##Winning the title might be an easy thing but defending it is no mean feat. So, what we need to do is just to double our efforts for next season,” she remarked.Vihiga Queens, who became the first team in the country to represent the country in the inaugural edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League are once again expected to fight for a second appearance at the continental showpiece when they take part in the qualifiers.The 2023 CECAFA Zone CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers will be held in Uganda from 12-26 August.Why Nyayo and Kasarani stadia are ill-equipped to host international matchesKenya missed out on sending a representative last year due to the FIFA suspension imposed back then.This will be the third edition of the competition, the inaugural one having taken place in Nairobi in 2021 before Tanzania played host in 2022.Vihiga Queens won the first edition with Simba Queens winning the subsequent one.
