Thika Queens reign over Spedag in women league

By REBECCA GICHANA

Women Premier League side Spedag from Mombasa was shocked losing 3-0 to visiting Thika Queens in Saturday’s match played at the Makande Primary School grounds.

Queens, who are currently on the top of the league, were to play Furaha Ladies from Kilifi at Vipingo grounds.

Coach Richard Kanyi is optimistic that the team has now rediscovered their winning style after an impressive outing on Saturday.

“The match was tough,” said the tactician. “Spedag was prepared well for the match but my girls played according to instructions. They were composed and utilised their chances. This is the second time we have defeated them after registering a 2-1 win at home last season and a 1-1 draw in Mombasa.”

Monicah Muriungu scored the opener after 28 minutes. The teams went to the breather with the visitors leading 1-0.

In the second half both teams intensified attacks but Queens’ Benta Achieng’ was on target as she scored a second goal for her team.

Dorcas Shikobe, the Thika Queens captain was not to be left behind. After scoring in the last four matches, Shikobe made sure that her team goes home with the three points after netting a third to wrap the scores at 3-0 for Queens.

Coach Kanyi, however, has sent out a passionate appeal to the clubs that withdrew from the league to resume. This, he said, will increase the challenge.

He said the fact that the league does not have a sponsor this season may make it difficult for clubs to continue. “We cannot get sponsors when we are not playing. We must play in order for us to get well-wishers to fund our league. Our girls have been neglected in terms of empowerment in football growth. We have a lot of talent in this country.

“We rely on schools to prepare our junior national teams. What if the schools deny releasing the players. We need structures in order to improve the sport in the country,” added Kanyi.

The coach notes that the league is not played regularly due to the financial constraints to clubs. The women league has been without a sponsor since Unicef and Kenya Government pulled out last season.