Vihiga Queens Champions League preparations have been thrown into disarray after 11 of their top players were named in Harambee Starlets provisional squad for the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan later this month.
Lilian Awour,Vivian Nasaka, Dorcas Neema, Phoebe Awiti, Enez Mango, Mercy Oginga, Maureen Ater, Terry Engesha, Janet Bundi, Jentrix Shikangwa and Violet Wanyonyi are among players drafted into the 31-member team.
The first leg match will be played on October 20, while the second is scheduled four days later. Both matches played will be in Nairobi. Vihiga will then have 10 days to regroup ahead of the Champions League set for November 5-19.
"We have no objection to our players playing for Harambee Starlets but we want them to know they have another huge task awaiting them. By the time they return, we will barely have time to waste. We have shared a training program with the national team coach Charles Okere so that we are on the same page since the players we are left with need to align themselves to what the others are doing," Queens' coach Boniface Nyamunyamu said.
Starlets are expected to report to camp on October 9 at the Lamada Hotel.
Queens are pool B alongside South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, ASFAR Club of Morocco and Nigeria's Rivers Angels.
Harambee Starlets squad
Goalkeepers— Annete Kundu (Unattached), Pauline Katharu (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lilian Awour (Vihiga Queens), Maureen Shimuli (Ulinzi Starlets)
Defenders—Vivian Nasaka, Dorcas Neema, Phoebe Awiti, Enez Mango (Vihiga Queens), Juliet Adipo (Kayole Starlets), Dorcas Shikobe (Lakatamia FC), Lucy Akoth (Mathare United FC), Nelly Sawe (Thika Queens), Ruth Ingotsi (Unattached)
Midfielders—Sheril Angach, Corazone Aquino (Gaspo Women), Mercy Oginga, Maureen Ater (Vihiga Queens), Lydia Akoth (Thika Queens), Lilian Mmboga, Lorna Nyarinda (Kibera Girls Soccer), Martha Amunyolet (Trans Nzoia Queens), Merceline Wayodi (Kisumu All Starlets)
Attackers—Terry Engesha, Janet Bundi, Jentrix Shikangwa, Violet Wanyonyi (Vihiga Queens), Rachael Mwema, Mwanahalima Adam (Thika Queens), Lucy Mukhwana, Neddy Akoth (Ulinzi Starlets),Elizabeth Wambui (Gaspo Women)
