Kenya Police Bullets crowned FKF Women's Premier League champions

Kenya Police Bullets celebrate after winning the title.[FKF Media]

Kenya Police Bullets etched their name into the history books by winning their first FKF Women’s Premier League title in an unbeaten campaign.

The team capped off their stellar season with a resounding 3-0 victory over Bunyore Starlets on Wednesday at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

This final match not only showcased their dominance but also solidified their status as the top team in the league.

The match was marked by an impressive performance from the Bullets, with Rebecca Okwaro scoring a brace and Mercy Njeri also finding the back of the net.

Njeri opened the scoring in the 19th minute, giving the Bullets a 1-0 lead at halftime. The second half saw Okwaro net two quick goals in the 75th and 77th minutes, ensuring a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Bullets.

Okwaro’s brace was particularly significant as it allowed her to tie with Tumaini Waliaula for the 2023/24 Golden Boot, both finishing the season with 15 goals each. Puren Alukwe came in second in the race for the top scorer with 14 goals.

Coach Beldine Odemba, the mastermind behind the Bullets' triumphant campaign, attributed the team’s success to their unwavering dedication and rigorous training regime.

“Our commitment to hard work and teamwork has been the cornerstone of our success this season. The players have shown immense discipline and resilience, and it has paid off,” said Odemba.

She also highlighted the importance of a strong defensive strategy, which saw the Bullets concede the fewest goals throughout the season.

Looking ahead, Odemba expressed her desire to bolster the squad in preparation for their upcoming challenges in the CECAFA and CAF Women’s Champions League.

“We are aiming to sign five more players to strengthen our team. Competing on the continental stage will be a new challenge, and we need to be at our best,” she added.

The victory not only brought joy to the Bullets but also marked a significant moment for women's football in Kenya. The team’s unbeaten run throughout the season has set a high standard and inspired many young female footballers across the country.

Elsewhere in the league, Vihiga Queens and Ulinzi Starlets secured the second and third places, respectively, both finishing with 41 points.

Ulinzi Starlets, however, missed out on the second position due to an inferior goal difference. These teams also had commendable seasons and will be looking to challenge for the title next year.

At the other end of the table, the battle to avoid relegation remains unresolved. The fate of the team to drop to the 2023/24 FKF Women National Super League between Madira Soccer Assassins and Zetech Sparks will be decided on Saturday.

This delay is due to the rescheduling of Soccer Assassins’ match against Kibera Soccer Ladies for safety reasons amid ongoing protests.

Currently, Zetech Sparks are three points ahead of Soccer Assassins and have a -10 goal difference.

With no more games to play, they are hoping that Soccer Assassins do not win their upcoming match. For Soccer Assassins, a 7-0 victory against fourth-placed Kibera Soccer Ladies FC at Wolves Den in Kajiado is the only way to secure their place in the FKFWPL for the 2024/25 season.

As the curtains close on the 2023/24 FKF Women’s Premier League season, the triumph of Kenya Police Bullets serves as a testament to their hard work, strategic planning, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Their unbeaten run has not only brought them glory but has also elevated the status of women’s football in Kenya, setting a benchmark for future seasons.