Ulinzi ready to rub shoulders with a ‘quality’ Vihiga—says Mwanza

Africa-Press – Kenya. Ulinzi Starlets have put Vihiga Queens on notice ahead of the final of match of the inaugural Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s cup in Nakuru on Saturday.

In as much as Vihiga Queens start favourites having won the recent Cecafa qualifiers for the Champions League, coach Joseph Mwanza believes the past records will count for nothing.

Ulinzi have only met once with Vihiga in a friendly, playing to a 1-1 draw and have a fully fit squad to choose from.

“There is no doubt Vihiga are good opponents but we are equally competitive. We are aware Vihiga are the East Africa champions but football is about 90 minutes,” Mwanza observes.

“Football is not about what you did yesterday but about the moment as history is always broken. Both teams have superior attack and it will be an exciting match to watch. It will be good exposure for the girls but winning the title would highlight the evolution of this team even as we try to lay down a marker ahead of the new season,” he noted.

Neddy Atieno and Jentrix Khuyudi will be a handful for Vihiga’s defence. The three-time champions on the other hand are banking on speedster Violet Wanyonyi, big game player Jentrix Shikangwa and the evergreen Tereza Engesha to replicate their Cecafa form. The trio scored a total of 17 goals.

Midfield dynamo Maurine Achieng will not only be pulling strings for Queens but her knack for goals makes her a real threat in the number 10 role.

Queens will look to stop Ulinzi’s attack if they have to carry the day according to captain Enez Mango. “We have a strategy of stopping their strikers because they are dangerous and can deny us the title. Ulinzi are competitive but we are going for a win.”

Ulinzi won 4-2 in the semifinal match against Kisumu All Starlets while double from Janet Bundi and a solo strike from Jentrix Shikangwa, was all that Vihiga Queens needed to advance to the final against Kayole.