Africa-Press – Kenya. After winning the Football Kenya Federation Women’s Cup on Saturday, Ulinzi Starlets captain Neddy Atieno has challenged the team to maintain the high standards they have set heading into the new season.
The soldiers shrugged off the underdogs’ tag to bag the inaugural gong by edging out CECAFA club champions winners and pre-match favourites Vihiga Queens 2-1 at the ASK ground, Nakuru.
The 2021/22 season kicks off on October 30 as WPL returns to the unified format, a season after the competition was zonalised with 12 teams set to battle for the coveted trophy.
“We have set high standards but we have the onerous task of preserving the performance. This is possible because we, as the players, haven’t burdened ourselves with weighty expectations,” she said.
The Joseph Mwanza-led side went above and beyond the call of duty in their maiden appearance in the Women’s Premier League. They finished second last season in zone A and were eliminated in the playoffs—failing to fulfil the team’s target of lifting the title in their first season.
More is expected from Ulinzi who are keen to end Thika Queens and Vihiga United’s dominance. The pair has won five WPL titles between them since 2016.
Atieno, a former international, is optimistic that the soldiers will challenge the duo for the title based on their quality and cut-throat competition in the squad.
“Ulinzi will go for nothing short of the title. We came close last season but fell short. Winning the FKF Cup has given us belief that nothing is impossible. With a good pre-season and a healthy squad, we can give opponents a run for their money,” added Atieno.
Meanwhile, Atieno observed that mental health is necessary for female footballers, urging FKF to increase women’s competitions to make the ladies more active in the sport.
“Mental health is a necessity in sports hence the need to understand its importance. As Ulinzi, we have been billed the ‘Queens of comeback’ because we have managed to get into winning positions even after trailing at half time,” she said.
“We need more tournaments to get the girls engaged in football. When the coronavirus pandemic struck, we witnessed more girls heading for maternity leaves since they had little to keep them engaged.”
