Nyamunyamu backs 'wonderkid' Morang’a to dominate

At 18, Emily Morang’a made her debut in the Kenya Women Premier League (WPL) with a bang, making her presence known with a four-goal haul in Vihiga Queens’ 6-0 drubbing of Wadadia FC.

The win extended Vihiga’s stay at the helm and their unbeaten run to 10 matches for 24 points, having dropped points three times.

Morang’a signed for the defending champions at the beginning of the 2023/24 season but did not feature until Sunday’s match as she was given time to clear school.

“We brought in three players from Nyakach Girls during last year’s school games but since they were in their final year we gave them time. Two, Morang’a and Vivian Akinyi made their debut on Sunday and scored. This is a good start for them and we expect them to grow in the league as hey get more minutes in the top tier league,” Vihiga’S head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu offered.

Tumaini Waliaula opened the scoring for the record champions in the 10th minute and it was a Morang’a show from then on as she bagged her first seven minutes later and twice in two minutes for a 37th and 39th minute goals to see Nyamunyamu’s charges head to the break with a 3-goal cushion.

The 18-year-old picked up from where she had left in the second half, adding her fourth in the 62nd minute, barely 60 seconds after Akinyi’s first goal in the league to complete her debut in style.

“This is, obviously, a good start for the duo. Scoring on debut is no mean feat but going 4 goals up is spectacular. She (Morang’a) is a a good player with good speed and power which marry well with her position.

However, her statement debut means she is bound to face more resistance going forward as opponents are now familiar with her game. We have to help her grow not just tactically but in building her mental strength to handle the level of competitiveness.

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We cannot put her under pressure to produce similar results. She needs time to gain experience but when she does, she will dominate,” the tactician added further noting that urgency will be key for the youngster if she is to continue her scoring streak.

Nyamunyamu feels that the team has effectively replaced Janet Bundi and Bertha Omita with the arrival of Morang’a and Akinyi but in a quick rejoinder admits the duo’s experience will be missed.