Ulinzi Starlets one step closer to defending the FKF Women’s Cup title

Coach Joseph Mwanza is hoping to guide his charges Ulinzi Starlets to a successful Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Cup title defense after seeing off Kisumu All Starlets 3-0 in a semi final match played on Wednesday 31 May.

An early brace in the third and fourteenth minutes through new acquisition Fasila Adhiambo and an added-time strike form Mary Ojenge gave the soldiers the convincing win in the semis played at Rift Valley Institute of Technology in Nakuru.

FKF Women's Cup: Nakuru City Queens through to the final after edging Kibera Soccer Ladies

“We had a good game. It was a must-win and I am happy that we are through to the final set for Sunday. Scoring three goals in a semi is also a morale booster. We now shift our focus to the final. We are the defending champions and this is the only silverware we are targeting now that we lost the league title. We respect our opponents in the final but we are out to defend it,” offered coach Mwanza after leading his side to the final.

Ulinzi won the inaugural Cup competition, facing league champions Vihiga Queens at the time.

Despite the loss Kisumu All Starlets coach Said Juma says the team has picked positives from this and will now turn their focus to the next season as they look to bounce back to top-tier football, having been relegated.

“My players gave their all but luck was not on our side. We were coming off some emotional final league matches as we were relegated. I tried to encourage the players to put that behind them but it was never to be. I believe being in the semis is a huge statement form my team that we will bounce back,” offered the tactician.

Meanwhile, Nakuru City Queens ensured their place in the final following a nerve-wracking 3-2 victory against Kibera Soccer Ladies, the only FKF Women Division One team that, managed to reach the last four in the tournament.