Vihiga coach Nyamunyamu demands decisive response as title race tightens

Kayole Starlets Goalkeeper Pauline Kathuru/ HANDOUT

Vihiga Queens slipped straight into recovery mode on Saturday evening, mapping out a decisive December run that head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu believes will ultimately define their season.

The four-time champions now brace for back-to-back clashes against direct title rivals, a pivotal stretch made even sharper by their 2–0 loss to Kayole Starlets at the Stima Club Grounds.

Nyamunyamu, already recalibrating for next weekend’s assignment, warned that the coming weeks “require absolute clarity in transitions, more bravery in the final third, and maturity in game management,” insisting their response must be “immediate, intentional, and visible.

With Kayole perched at the summit and Kenya Police Bullets still holding games in hand, the coach stressed that Vihiga “cannot afford another slip” as the title race tightens.

That urgency framed Vihiga’s reflections on a match they allowed to drift away, tracing how Kayole’s early organisation and late-game efficiency created the decisive gap. The turning point arrived in the 30th minute when Lindah Kihara—featured among the league’s most efficient forwards in recent summaries—finished a swift transition to hand Kayole the lead, capitalising on Vihiga’s momentary lapse in defensive recovery.

Nyamunyamu admitted the opener disrupted their rhythm. “We wanted to dictate, but conceding first forced us into reaction football. You chase shadows when your structure cracks for even a second,” he said.

Vihiga returned from the break with greater urgency, pressing higher and combining more fluidly down the flanks, yet the final ball abandoned them at key moments. Their closest opportunity came in the 63rd minute when Juliet Andisi struck a low drive that drew a full-stretch save.

Kayole, however, remained patient and clinical. In the 75th minute, substitute Ashley Shilwatso—introduced just fifteen minutes earlier—slotted home their second, punishing another brief hesitation in Vihiga’s structure.

Nyamunyamu accepted responsibility for the tactical outcome, noting, “The second goal hurt, but it also clarified what must change. We were growing into the half, then a small lapse opened the door again.” Across the pitch, Kayole head coach Mary Adhiambo praised her side’s composure and growing maturity. “We’re leading because we’re maturing,” she said. “The players executed transitions exactly as trained and showed the composure expected at the top.”

The latest league summaries place Kayole at the summit, with Police Bullets close behind and three games in hand.  Vihiga remains within reach but faces a demanding run that Nyamunyamu insists must “reignite our title energy.”

“This period coming up—this is where champions separate themselves,” the coach concluded. “Our character will speak now.”