Women Premier League (WPL) entrants Bungoma Queens find themselves in relegation trouble as the league’s second leg gets underway but head coach Robert Machio is confident the club can weather the storm to maintain their top-tier status.The WPL first-timers finished the first leg placed ninth on the log, one position above the relegation zone on nine points from 10 matches, having won two and drawn in three #FKFWPL title race heats up! 🔥Kenya Police Bullets takes the lead 🔼 pic.twitter.com/Z1J3kDvMyy— FKF Women Premier League (@FKF_WPL) January 23, 2024 On the weekend, the side played for a 5-4 loss in a 9-goal thriller against Kibera Soccer, a side they held to a goalless draw at the beginning of the season in Sudi. The loss was a costly one as Machio’s side now find themselves in 10th place after Bunyore picked maximum points off Gaspo Women’s walkover to move from the relegation slot. Cautious Nyamunyamu calls for sharpness as Vihiga Queens face litmus testWith Trans Nzoia Falcons already out of the league and a similar predicament looming for troubled Gaspo whose Team Manager Edward Githua was suspended after sexual harassment allegations from a section of his players surfaced, Bungoma occupies the next slot to face the chop.”We had hoped for at least a draw away. It was a 50/50 encounter but we struggled to advance due to the condition of the pitch which was water-logged. Unlike in other matches where we have struggled to score, we made use of all our chances as did Kibera. We now regroup and look to bounce back to winning ways in our next fixture,” Machio offered.Wanyama hopeful of double success in first season with Gor MahiaHe continued, “All the bottom-of-the-table teams have the chance to survive as the second leg just got started. We are, therefore, keen to mend any leaks before playing these bottom teams and ensure we get all the available points.” As they prepare for the next opponent, the tactician believes there is a need to bolster his defense and refine his finishing if his charges are to survive the chop.”We have conceded in each match and are losing chances ahead which would otherwise have seen us post better results and are looking to address that before the next match. We have roped in a keeper and are in talks with two defenders who will add to our depth. We are also working on our finishing. I am confident we can turn our fortunes around and move up the log as the season conclusion nears,” he added.The tactician was, however, full of praise for his midfield, arguing that they have been the engine of team and he hopes to raise the rest of the departments to that level and better.“Despite the loss, Winrose Wanyama commanded the midfield and she was named the woman of the match. That speaks volumes to the quality of players we have,” the tactican beamed.##NAJAVA_MECA_7822185##
