Africa-Press – Kenya. Vihiga Queens’ coach Boniface Nyamunyamu wants his midfielders to justify why they should warrant playing time amidst the cut-throat competition in the squad.
The county-sponsored side has a bloated midfield comprising Joan Nabirye, Wayodi Marceline, Nafula Christine, Marceline Oginga, Ater Maurine, Lornah Nyabuto, and Eve Chemtai all vying for the three slots in the first eleven.
Nabirye, Wayodi, and Nafula have impressed in the opening two matches as starters with Nyamunyamu hinting that he might not tinker with a winning side unless the rest rise to the occasion in training.
Nabirye is a Ugandan import who was ever-present last season while Nafula was signed from the Swedish side Dalhme IF. Wayodi was acquired from Kisumu All Starlets with Nyabuto scouted from Kibera Soccer.
The former champions beat Nakuru 3-1 before making light work of Ulinzi with a 2-0 win on Tuesday.
Oginga was the go-getter in the Cecafa champions league club qualifiers in September, scoring six goals as Queens sailed to the premier competition proper in November.
“We have depth in the squad but the midfield is bulging. Those who started deserve to continue playing. Those that haven’t played so far also have a chance to earn themselves first team slots,” Nyamunyamu said.
“I love the rivalry in the squad. We now have different solutions in midfield and we can now implement various formations, rotate the squad, and get results.”
Nyamunyamu was in awe of Wayodi whom he described as the missing piece. Vihiga have been lacking a box-to-box midfielder who is strong in attack and defence.
“In Wayodi, we have a player capable of everything. High work rate, defensively strong, crisp passing, tough tackler and covers a lot of ground. She brings energy and athletism in midfield.”
“She is a quality addition and a big influence on and off the pitch and we hope she remains grounded because she has only played twice.”
Queens hope to reclaim the WPL title they lost to Thika Queens last season. The Enes Mango-captained side won three titles in a row between 2017-2019.
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