Fit Starlets make coach happy

Harambee Starlets Lucy Mukhwana (left) and Dorcas Shikobe lead team members during training at Kasarani Stadium yesterday. [Jonah Onyango]

Newly appointed Harambee Starlets coach Richard Kanyi is impressed with the fitness levels of the team as they continue preparations for fifth edition of Cosafa Women Championship.

The team is camping at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, for the championship between September 13-24 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

“The preparations have been good since Sunday. I’m contented with the way the players are responding to every session. The transition from my predecessor and the new players incorporated is really working well,” Kanyi said.

He added: I’m pleased by the way the older players are handling the new and young players in the team.”

The new players in the squad include Judith Musimbi, Florence Awino, and Wilfred Akinyi.

However, the tactician is concerned with central defender, Irene Ogutu, who is out with a knee injury.

“It’s sad because Ogutu is a very instrumental player in central defence. She has the much-needed experience but her position will be filled either by Juliet Auma or Esther Nandika. The duo is really working together well in training and I’m happy with their fitness levels,” said Kanyi.

Other regulars who are missing in the Starlets squad are strikers Esse Akida, who is preparing for the Global Goals World Cup finals in New York next month, and young midfielder Corazone Aquino, who is in Jordan with the U-20 national team.

Kanyi says he is not worried about his striking department because he has enough strikers for the job in Neddy Atieno, Mwanahalima Adam, Lucy Mukhwana, Phoebe Aketch, and Mercy Achieng.

The former Thika Queens coach has handed former U-20 captain Wendy Achieng the armband that has been in the possession of Mary Kinuthia. [Rebecca Jebet]

Cosafa fixtures

Kenya v Mozambique

Kenya v Mauritius

Kenya v Swaziland