Kenya Police Bullets FC coach Beldine Odemba remains cautious despite their 1-0 victory over defending champions Vihiga Queens FC at the Police Sacco Stadium in South C, Nairobi on Saturday.
Linda Okoth’s penalty in the first half was enough to decide the winner despite Vihiga’s persistence in the second half.
The top-of-the-table clash pitted champions Vihiga against league dark horses Police Bullets, both of whom were undefeated before the weekend meeting.
The win puts Police top of the league with 31 points, three clear of the reigning champions.
Odemba, who is handling a WPL team for the first time, said she is still wary of the unknown.
“I have not been in this league for long enough. I am, therefore, taking one game at a time... be it a top-of-the-table team or a team facing relegation. We are going into matches cautiously. This is football and anything can happen,” she noted.
Odemba, who is also the national team Rising Starlets head coach, was appointed Bullets (formerly Thika Queens) coach to replace Bentah Achieng — who managed the club before its acquisition by Premier League side Kenya Police.
Odemba was skeptical about their performance but happy with the win.
“We have not played our best today. We have never played a game like this before where we couldn't connect our passes. It was a tough match but I thank God because the end justifies the means,” she quipped.
Odemba praised her defence for silencing WPL's top scorer, Tumaini Walioula ( 10 goals).
New signings Lydia Waganda and Diana Wacera, who joined from Gaspo will be key for Police in their quest for the title.
“Waganda is a veteran player who knows what winning the league means. Having her on board is a plus for us as a team," said Odemba.
“The players have a winning mentality and the team is stable."