Thika Queens midfielder Benta Achieng has been elevated to the head coach position following the resignation of tactician Richard Kanyi last week.
Achieng’s first assignment will be to lead the defending champions against newbies Kayole Starlets in a Kenya Football Federation Women’s Premier League encounter Komarock grounds on Saturday.
Achieng has been doubling up as a player-cum-assistant coach.
Queens’ chairman Fredrick Chege confirmed the new development saying Achieng has what it takes to continue guiding the Thika-based outfit to good tidings.
He said: “We are the defending champions and we are keen on winning the trophy for the third consecutive time. Achieng has worked under Kanyi for a while now and I believe she has learned a lot from him that will come in handy as the league gathers ground.”
Chege added: “It was Kanyi’s personal decision to leave the club and we want to wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We will give Achieng all the support she needs to see to it that we defend the title.”
On the match against Kayole, Chege noted the fact that they made it to the top tier is a confirmation they are no push overs.
“They have four points just like us and therefore we will not underrate them but give the match the seriousness it deserves. We have injury concerns going into the tie, but we hope for the best.”
Mercy Achieng and Christine Kitaru are nursing ankle and hand injuries respectively.
Kanyi said he left the club on a good note but will still be involved in the women’s football.
“There is nothing sinister in my quiting the club. We have had a good working relationship with the club management, the players and fans at large and I thank them for the support. I wish them well going forward as I now contemplate on my next move,” said Kanyi.