Africa-Press – Kenya. Zetech Sparks’ title credentials received a crucial boost after a walkover against Kisumu All Starlets in a Kenyan Women’s Premier League at Zetech University Main Campus in Thika.
Head coach Harriet Fakhir admitted the walkover kept them firmly in the championship conversation, even as she maintained her squad would have preferred to prove themselves on the pitch.The federation’s decision lifted Zetech to second on the log with 31 points, level with leaders and defending champions Kenya Police Bullets.Police have, however, played four fewer matches owing to postponed ties against Ulinzi Starlets and Vihiga Queens. Several of their key players are currently in national team camp ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for March.
“We were awarded the three points and two goals by the federation, but we would have preferred to play the fixture and score more goals,” said Fakhir.She acknowledged the unusual circumstances while quickly shifting focus to the broader objective.
“I’m happy that we have risen to second and that’s the focus we want to maintain in all our remaining fixtures as we aim to win the title.”With the table tightening at the summit and Police still holding games in hand, Fakhir dismissed suggestions that the champions’ reduced schedule automatically tilts the race in their favour.
She noted that fixtures on paper do not translate into guaranteed results and rallied her charges to sustain momentum in the decisive stretch of the campaign.Zetech intend to convert their administrative gains into on-field performances as the Women’s Premier League season edges toward its decisive phase.“We understand Police have four games in hand, but that’s no guarantee they will win all of them,” she said. “I’m urging my players to continue fighting for glory. I’m also pleased to see our new signings settling in well. That’s a positive sign for the future.”
Zetech, who have now played 17 matches, will next face Trinity Starlets this weekend in what could prove a defining encounter.The fifth-placed Trinity have emerged as the season’s surprise package and are capable of unsettling the top teams.Fakhir insisted that preparation and fitness levels will be critical in navigating the busy schedule.“Our next task is facing Trinity, a very tough side currently fifth on the log. We will give our best to ensure we collect maximum points. I thank God we have no injury concerns and that all players are in good shape,” she said.
Meanwhile, results across the league underscored the competition this season.Kibera Soccer Women edged Madira Soccer Assassins 2-1 at Marist University in Karen, courtesy of goals from Grace Wekesa and Esse Akida — a victory that keeps them within touching distance of the leading pack.At Mawego Polytechnic, Gideon Starlets and Bungoma Queens settled for a goalless draw, while league newcomers Kayole Starlet continued their impressive campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Kisped Queens at Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu.Faith Naliaka opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Eunice Nabwoba doubled the advantage in the 38th. Lavyne Achola extended the lead in the 82nd minute, with Lyndah Kihara sealing the emphatic victory in stoppage time.
