Ulinzi Starlets coach Joseph Mwanza has said it is premature to start thinking about defending the Football Kenya Federation Women's Cup.
The soldiers settle scores with Gusii Starlets at Gusii Stadium in a round of 32 fixture this weekend.
Ulinzi won the inaugural trophy in October 2021 after beating Vihiga Queens 2-1 in the finals played at the ASK showground, Nakuru.
The annual tournament failed to be staged last year under the FKF Caretaker Committee. Mwanza added that the team will take one game at a time.
"It is too early to start thinking about defending the cup when the competition is only starting. I know there's the pressure that comes with being the defending champion but we can't allow that to take us away from our objectives for the season," Mwanza said.
"Our immediate focus is the Gusii match. We respect them but we can't underestimate them. We want to progress to the next level. One step at a time is what we are used to as a team."
Ulinzi were also winners of the FKF Super Cup 2021 after edging out Thika Queens 7-6 in post-match penalties. However, the soldiers are still searching for their first Premier League title.
Meanwhile, Mwanza confirmed that goalkeeper Judith Omondi and midfielder Lavender Akinyi are officially Ulinzi players. The pair was signed from Kibera Soccer and Wadadia respectively. The duo joins Fasila Adhiambo, who also inked a deal with the soldiers two weeks ago.
"They have joined us because they are good players. We want to instill the Ulinzi DNA in them," Mwanza said.
