Three-time Women Premier League (WPL) champions Vihiga Queens lost their first two points of the 2021/22 season on the weekend in a barren draw against Gaspo Women to dent their perfect five-match winning run. Coach Boniface Nyamunyamu, however, believes the draw came at a perfect time as it will serve as a wake up call to the players that any form of complacency could easily see their dreams of a fourth title crashed. The side had picked maximum points in the previous five rounds with Gaspo serving their biggest test this season after Ulinzi Starlets, aitch they won 2-0. “We are grateful for the point. The match has also helped expose our weaknesses and mistakes that we need to work on as the battle for the title heats on. It is also a good wake up calm for the players that teams are coming hard at us and we have to be able to respond. They have ‘RUN’ but will not ‘HIDE’ next time😃😃SECOND HALF action behind the lens📸#VihigaQueens#LegacyMakers pic.twitter.com/3paVxiid1V— Vihiga Queens FC (@Vihigaqueens) January 23, 2022 Against Gaspo, the players were too cautious on both ends of the pitch and we ended up losing open scoring chances. We were also playing under pressure as Gaspo is one of the best sides in the league and having lost our last encounter against them did not help matters,” said Nyamunyamu. A win for Vihiga would have put a six-point gap between them and their opponents who are second on the log, while relegating the latter to third place. The two sides lead the standings at 16 and 13 points with Gaspo tied on points with third-placed Trans Nzoia Falcons. Coach Nyamunyamu says their top place has put a target on their backs and they will need to get their act together in upcoming matches if they are to maintain top place. In an early kick-off match, @ThikaQueensFC faltered against Ulinzi Starlets. See poster to get a glimpse of how this weekend matches turned out. #FKFWPL pic.twitter.com/ZYcua9pPEn— FKF Caretaker – Women (@fkfcc_women) January 23, 2022 Additionally, the tactician has acknowledged that missing some of his key players has the potential to affect their output but called on his squad to step up and fill the shoes of the players who have left the side for greener pastures. “It was evident that Gentrix Shikangwa’s absence was felt. The opponent knew to hold Terry Engesha as she was the main threat upfront. We also missed the services of Lorna Nyabuto who is away handling some personal matters. We are working on getting Topister Situma’s match fitness back on track as she is an experienced player,” added the tactician.
