Women Premier League: Thika Queens coach, Richard Kanyi remains cautious ahead of play-off fixture

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Football Kenya Federation(FKF) women premier league defending champions and Zone A leaders, Thika Queens head coach Richard Kanyi says they will be under pressure when they take on Zone B leaders Vihiga Queens in the play-off.

The play-off fixture that is set for February 4 at Afraha Stadium will determine who takes home the bragging rights as the 2016 champion.

This will be the first time ever the two sides are meeting after the champions tossed out last season’s runner’s up Mombasa-based, Spedag to lead zone A with an unbeaten record.

Thika Queens picked 32 points to lead zone A ahead of Spedag who managed 29 points in the second place.

“Football has really changed and especially women football. In fact we will be under pressure playing Vihiga Queens. Our opponents have nothing to lose but I’m ready to do a duel with them. We are very much ready than ever to be on Thika Super Highway taking the trophy to our supporters who have been with us throughout the season,” Kanyi told Feverpitch.

The tactician has attributed the good run this season to teamwork, team discipline and the desire to perform better every day.

“The hunger of success, fighting for each other from the executive, technical bench, the playing unit and our fans has motivated the team very well. We are going on with our preparations at the BAT Thika Grounds and the turn up is very good. We have a full house here and everybody is great. This week we are working on fitness and body coordination,” he said.

Kanyi admits the experience in his side will be an added advantage and it will be steered by Harambee Starlets skipper Mary Kinuthia who joined the Thika-based side this season after having a short stint with Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Cardinals in the FUFA Elite Women League in 2015.

Kinuthia who guided Harambee Starlets in their maiden Africa Women Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon early this Month where they lost all three matches is the current second top scorer with 12 goals in zone A, behind Spedag's sensational goal poacher Esse Akida.