Ulinzi, Thika jostle for the WPL Super Cup title

Women Premier League (WPL) champions Thika Queens host Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women's Cup victors Ulinzi Starlets at Utalii grounds on Sunday 7 November for the inaugural Women's Super Cup.

The clash paves way for the 2021/22 season's kickoff with the first matches of the 12-team unified league set to be played next weekend on 13 and 14 November, with six clashes scheduled. 

Going into the Super Cup match, Ulinzi are hoping to turn the tables on Thika who managed to pick maximum points from the Joseph Mwanza-led soldiers in the last season. 

Ulinzi, who were making their debut in the league faced Thika in their first match in zone A of the top tier league, losing the encounter 2-1 in the match played at Utalii. 

The return leg clash, hosted by Thika at their municipal stadium in Thika ended 2-0 in favour of the Benta Achieng charges as they went on to win the zone A league and the overall title, in a playoff against Gaspo, unbeaten. 

The military side finished third in the zone A league and were eliminated in the playoff quarters by another debutant, zone B's Nakuru Queens. 

"We know Thika are a good side but we are prepared to do battle with them. We are a better and stronger side than we were last season and we have recruited to add to the depth. I am confident of a good showing from my players.

This match will set the stage for us going into the new season and we will give it our all. We have trained with the new signings for a while now before their signing was made officialand I feel confidentwe will not have issues with gelling," said coach Mwanza. 

While Mwanza has made some changes to his squad, bringing in six new signings including Harambee Starlets Sheril Angachi who decamped from Gaspo, Mathare's Lucy Akoth as well as Zetech's shot stopper Valentine Khwaka, it will be a new look Thika without some key players.

The league champions will, however, be without the services of Esse Akida who was part of the team as they dethroned Vihiga Queens for the title. Also missing in Thika's ranks is defender Dorcas Shikobe and forward Mwanahalima Adam. 

Both left the side for pro deals out of the country with Akida joining Greek giants FC PAOK Thessaloniki while Shikobe is in Syprus with Lakatamia FC while Adam is in Turkey with Hakkarigucu Spor.  

Thika are reported to have made three signings ahead of the season roping in Rebecca Akinyi and Stellah Anyango from Nakuru Queens as well as Lovenita Lupemba from Kayole Starlets.