Africa-Press – Kenya. Ulinzi Starlets coach Joseph Mwanza wants experienced striker Neddy Atieno to return to action despite announcing retirement last year.
The former international skippered the soldiers to clinching the inaugural Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Cup and Super Cup prior to bolting out.
Atieno was named to the FKF Caretaker Committee that took over the operations of football after the Nick Mwendwa-led federation was disbanded last year.
Their term, however, ended last month with new sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba reinstating the former office.
Mwanza said her experience is invaluable to the team that missed her services last season. Her absence in attack denied the soldiers the cutting edge as the team struggled for goals.
Ulinzi registered eight draws in the 12-team league—the highest in the division—thus denying them the title. Ulinzi finished second behind eventual champions Vihiga Queens who reclaimed the title from Thika Queens.
“Atieno was one of the most accomplished strikers in the league before hanging her boots. I believe she was the reason we lost the title coupled with injuries. Goals suddenly dried up when she joined the Caretaker Committee.”
He said: “She still has a lot to offer to the team. We are in discussion for her to shelve her plans and return to action. Hopefully, a decision will be made soon. Her contributions are telling and she’s welcomed anytime to the team.”
The former Makolanders attacker guided Ulinzi to a third place finish in their 2020-21 debut season. She joined the women’s Under-20 national team in 2011 before moving to the senior rank in 2014.
Atieno was part of the historic Harambee Starlets squad that played in the first-ever appearance at the African Women’s Cup of Nations in 2016. She was recalled to starlets in 2018 for AWCON qualifiers.
She was also part of the 2021 team that demolished South Sudan 15-1 on aggregate at Nyayo Stadium in the first round of AWCON qualifiers.
In the meantime, Mwanza believes Vihiga Queens are still the team to beat despite being in transition. The legacy makers have lost the spine of their title-winning team.
“Without a doubt, Vihiga are still a force to reckon with. They have benefited from the long break and plugged the holes in their squad and thry will no doubt maintain their standards.”
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