Ulinzi Starlets coach Joseph Mwanzia believes their 2-0 win over Vihiga Queens in the Football Kenya Federation Women’s Super Cup is enough motivation ahead of this weekend’s Women’s Premier League kick-off.
The soldiers clinched the league curtain raiser for the second time in a row to leave Mwanzia bubbling with confidence ahead of their new season opener against the same opponents.
“It’s a good start. The win has really motivated the players. We had intensified our preparations in pre-season by featuring in friendly matches,” Mwanzia said.
“Now I have to shift my focus as we are done with the Super League. It is not easy to defend a cup. There’s usually a lot of pressure.”
Mwanzia said they have made some quality additions to the team including attacking midfielder Rita Ojwang (Wadadia) defender Immaculate Wagira (Kakamega Starlets) and Linda Kihara (Trans Nzoia).
He hopes the new players will help the team in their quest to add the WPL title to Saturday’s triumph.
“Our aim is to add the WPL title to the Super Cup. I feel we have done a lot as a team but we are yet to win the Premier League. The dream is still on,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vihiga coach Boniface Nyamunyamu said they were unlucky in the defeat to Ulinzi but there is no time to lament.
“I may say luck was not on our side. It’s our first match since the Cecafa tournament and now we need to work on our mistakes in order to be competitive in the league.”
“Lack of speed is one of the main factors affecting our team but we will work on it going forward,” he added.
Vihiga have boosted their team with the arrival of striker Eunice Mwangi from Mathare United, midfielder Idah Atieno from Division One side Gideon Starlets, former Trans Nzoia Falcons midfielders Martha Amynyolete and Tumaini Waliaula, Harambee Starlets’ defender Phoebe Oketch and midfielder Janet Bundi.
