• "She was the most viable option to replace Mango no doubt," Nyamunyamu said.
• Meanwhile, Vihiga have roped in Ivy Makokha, Edith Asangire, Monchari Wansato, Diana Sigei, Anita Namata and Eunice Musia.
Vihiga Queens coach Boniface Nyamunyamu insists newly-appointed captain Mercyline Wayodi has what it takes to succeed in her new role.
Wayodi beat stiff competition from Maureen Ater and Felistas Kadari to the armband left by Enez Mango's departure. Mango is in Norway for a two-month trial.
Mango guided the Legacy Makers to three Premier League titles and the Cecafa Club Championship gong last year to crown a glittering career for the 28-year-old left-back.
She joins Topista Situma, Jentrix Shikangwa, Lilian Awuor and Tereza Engesha in the hunt for greener pastures abroad.
Wayodi, 24, joined from Kisumu All Starlets and has spent just one season with the county-sponsored side. The versatile midfielder was the go-to player in Queens' three-player midfield.
"She was the most viable option to replace Mango no doubt," Nyamunyamu said.
"Leadership is not about age. Wayodi is disciplined and has the leadership qualities rarely found in a person of her age. We have high-calibre players and needed someone who can command them. Wayodi is is that inspiration that we desperately need," added title-winning coach.
Nyamunyamu was elevated to head coach position in 2021 having served as Alex Alumira's assistant. He guided Queens to their fourth title in five years last season in an unbeaten run.
"Being defending champions comes with added responsibility. Mango won a lot and the onus is now on Wayodi to take us a notch higher," said Nyamunyamu.
Meanwhile, Vihiga have roped in Ivy Makokha, Edith Asangire, Monchari Wansato, Diana Sigei, Anita Namata and Eunice Musia. Nyamunyamu said he has been impressed by their work rate in training and tipped them to rise up to the challenge.
"We have trained with them for two weeks and they look already settled. They just need to gel and we will be a very complete team," added the coach.