Ochieng optimistic despite financial struggles as season beacons

Nairobi Water Queens' head coach Jack Ochieng is worried about their survival after financial struggles hindered the recruitment of new players ahead of the upcoming season starting this weekend.

"We’ve struggled for the past five years due to lack of sponsorship. This has made it difficult to sign quality players," Ochieng revealed. 

He said the ongoing struggles in securing sponsorship have severely limited their ability to strengthen the squad and compete at the highest level.

The Water Queens could fail to defend their East and Central Africa women's title if they fail to acquire sponsorship for the event scheduled for December in Rwanda.

"We hope we will secure sponsorship because, without it, we may fail to feature in the regional show," he added. Ochieng guided Nairobi Water Queens to the KHF women's league title last year.

He remains optimistic that despite the challenges they are facing, they are ready for the season, starting with their opening match on Sunday.

"Improving our defence is crucial if we are to ensure we don’t concede goals like we did last season," Ochieng stated. He added that their primary goal is to return to winning ways.

The coach also hinted that the return of left-back Brenda Ariviza would provide a significant boost to the squad as they gear up for the season. The league action resumes this weekend with six matches apiece on Saturday and Sunday.

KHF fixture coordinator George Asimeto confirmed the fixtures are out and the first matches will be played this weekend.

In the women’s category, reigning champions Ulinzi Sharks will be the target of every team in the league. Ulinzi also won the 2024 Super Cup after defeating Nairobi Water Queens in the final held on August 11.

Saturday's fixtures will see Ulinzi face Desert Scorpions, Strathmore battle Black Mamba, Jomo Kenyatta University take on General Service Unit and Kenyatta University meet the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in the men's category.

On Sunday, Kenyatta University play JKUAT as Daystar University takes on Desert Scorpions in the men’s matches.

In the women's cadre, Firehawks take on Kenyatta University while Ulinzi Sharks face Firehawks on the same day.

Other women's matches on Sunday will see Nairobi Water battle Firehawks, Young Zealots face Mountain Queens, Firehawks take on Daystar and Kenyatta University will be against Young Zealots.