Kenya Women's Premier League champions Vihiga Queens have received a financial boost of Sh150,000 from Vihiga County Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Vihiga won the 2023/2023 season after accumulating 55 points and will be Kenya's representative at the 2023 Caf Women's Champions League Cecafa qualifiers.
The event is set to kick off this weekend in Uganda and the winner will represent the region in the Champions League.
They have been drawn in Group 'B' alongside JKT Queens (Tanzania), AS Kigali (Rwanda) and New Generation FC from Zanzibar.
While delivering the cheque, Osotsi urged the Queens to use the tournament as a stepping stone to becoming professional footballers.
"You are aware that most of your former colleagues have moved to clubs abroad where they are earning more money. This was after playing their hearts out during the last Cecafa Club Championship which you won here in Nairobi. Such an opportunity has come your way and you must utilise it adequately," said Osotsi.
He reiterated his willingness to see more resources put in place to nurture and develop talents in the county and in support of clubs.
"The county has a lot of money from the exchequer meant for promoting sports and talent. I'll push to ensure it is invested in activities geared towards promoting sports and players," said Osotsi, urging the county governor to raise the amount allocated to County Sports Fund.
"The Sh2 million put in Sports Fund are peanuts...the funds cannot satisfy needs of all teams in the county," he added.
Osotsi said it's unfortunate the county has no facilities such as stadiums or training grounds. He encourage the governor to oversee the completion of Kidundu, Hamisi and Mumboha stadiums to be utilised by the clubs.
Currently, the clubs are playing their home matches at Bukhungu Stadium and Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County.
Vihiga County will have three teams playing in the KWPL (Vihiga Queens, Bunyore Starlets and Madira Soccer Assassins FC) while Vihiga United, Vihiga Bullets and Luanda Villa FC will feature in the men's Super League next season.
