Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) heavyweights Vihiga Queens FC had a season to forget last campaign, emerging trophy-less for the first time in more than half a decade of dominance.And now, following a massive player turnover- with most of their regular names seeking out and hoping for newer adventures elsewhere, the club faces the imminent challenge of rebuilding back to the dreaded name they once were. The good news is that they have all the time in the world since they will sit out continental action having not won the league nor the domestic cup; FKF Women’s Cup.The bad news is they have a few new sheriffs in town who, having tasted blood in the way of major trophies; will intend to go for the kill in the upcoming campaign.##NAJAVA_MECA_8262780##Newbies Kenya Police Bullets won the league while their military counterparts Ulinzi Starlets took home the domestic Cup. Long-serving Vihiga centre-back and now captain Phelisters Kadari understands what a tall order it will be, but says they have the mettle to reclaim their lost glory. ‘’If after just one season missing out on a trophy means people are concerned, that implies that we are still in the conversation. I take it as a minor set-back. It was not our greatest campaign and the teams that endured its challenges deserved the honours,’’ says Kadari. Kadari is the sole leadership remaining in the team after former captains Enez Mango and Merceline Wayodi left the club in the past two years, a Herculean last that he welcomes with the aim of leading coach Boniface Nyamunyamu’s very youthful squad. ‘’There aren’t many senior players left and the squad is ever evolving into a young team. They can play, only requiring proper leadership which my assistants and myself target to offer. The technical bench is also patient with the younger generation because most of them are still in school and will need some time to get used to the top level. So far however, I think they are coming up well,’’ continues the combative midfielder who dabbles in defensive midfield roles when need be. Football Kenya Federation reveals Special General Meeting date amid election preparationsThere were individual flashes of brilliance for Queens at the end of the season with forward Tumaini Waliaula emerging top in the golden boot category.Goalkeeper Sophie Akinyi too was on the podium for best goalkeeper in the campaign. These are the signs Kadari banks on that however much of a bad season the team has, they are able to produce the top players in some key categories. Focus for Queens before the season begins, considering the recent exodus of some players, will be bringing in new names to fill in. The side’s technical bench has always been masterful at this, Kadari reveals. ‘’When it comes to replacing the players that have left, I trust the technical bench to bring in a few proven talents as well as upcoming yet good players. They have done this over the years and I believe this season will be no different,’’ she concludes.FKF summons 6 former Zoo FC players and coach 2 years after match fixing banHaving given last season’s title chase right to the wire, only falling short in the penultimate round, Queens now have the monumental task of wrestling the accolade from a Police side that has equally invested in top players for the new season, as well as keep a close eye on Cup champions Ulinzi Starlets who, despite having not won the league yet, have proven themselves capable by winning the FKF Cup year in year out.Starlets ended the season just behind Queens in 3rd place.
