FKF-WPL: Wounded Kisumu All Starlets seek redemption against Mombasa Olympic

Kisumu All Starlet’s Trezer Manyala (right) in action during their FKF-WPL match against Zetech Sparks at Moi Stadium in Kisumu. [Facebook,Allsports Kenya]

Kisumu All Starlets will be looking to bounce back from their opening-day woes as they travel to face Mombasa Olympic at Ronald Ngala Primary School Grounds on Saturday in their second fixture of the 2024-2025 FKF Women’s Premier League season.

The lakeside outfit had a difficult start, suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Zetech Sparks at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, last weekend.

The defeat left Kisumu All Starlets languishing at the bottom of the standings without a point, alongside Ulinzi Starlets, Bungoma Queens, Wadadia, Bunyore Starlets, and KISPED Queens.

Head coach Said Juma acknowledged the disappointment but remains upbeat about his team’s chances of bouncing back.

"It was a tough loss at home. We didn’t capitalise on our chances, and Zetech punished us. However, we’ve learned from that, and we are ready to make adjustments to get a positive result against Mombasa Olympic," he said.

Juma pinpointed a few areas of concern from their season opener, notably their lack of composure in front of goal and some defensive lapses.

"We created enough chances to win the game, but we didn’t take them. Defensively, we allowed Zetech too much space, especially in the wide areas, which led to their goal," said Juma.

He is now focused on tightening his team’s defence and working on their finishing to ensure they secure their first points of the campaign.

Facing a confident Mombasa Olympic side, which started the season with a 2-0 win over Wadadia, Kisumu All Starlets know they have a tough task ahead.

"Mombasa Olympic have momentum, and they’re a well-organised side," Juma noted.

"But we’ve worked hard this week, and we know what to expect. Our focus is on playing our game, staying compact in defence, and taking our chances when they come."

Kisumu All Starlets will need to be at their best to prevent Olympic from adding another win to their tally.

Juma is aware of the threat posed by Olympic but remains confident in his team’s ability to match their hosts.

"We’ve studied their game and know where their strengths lie. It will be about managing the game, staying disciplined, and using our speed to exploit their defence," he added.

Sunday will see defending champions Kenya Police Bullets travel to Luanda to take on Bunyore Starlets at Mumboha Grounds. Police Bullets sit at the top of the standings with three points after a commanding 3-0 win in their season opener, and they’ll be eager to continue their impressive form.

Elsewhere, Ulinzi Starlets, who also suffered an opening-day loss, will face KISPED Queens at Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi. Both teams will be desperate for a first win after a disappointing start.

In Kajiado, Kibera Soccer Women will host Trinity Starlets at Wolves Den. Both teams are on three points after victories last weekend and will be fighting to maintain their winning records.

Zetech Sparks, fresh off their 1-0 win over Kisumu All Starlets, will face a tough test when they welcome Vihiga Queens at Zetech University. Vihiga Queens, the 2019 champions, are also on three points after defeating Bungoma Queens 1-0 in their opener.

The final fixture of the weekend will see Wadadia and Bungoma Queens, both of whom are without a point, square off at Mumias Sports Complex.

FKF Women’s Premier League Fixtures

Saturday

Mombasa Olympic v Kisumu All starlets-1pm, Ronald Ngala School

Sunday

Ulinzi Starlets v KISPED Queens-11am, Ruaraka Grounds

Kibera Soccer Women v Trinity Starlets-11am, Wolves Den Kajiado

Zetech Sparks v Vihiga Queens-11am, Zetech University, Mang’u

Bunyore Starlets v Kenya Police Bullets-12PM, Mumboha Grounds, Luanda

Wadadia v Bungoma Queens-12pm, Mumias Sports Complex