Ulinzi Starlets handed a lifeline in battle for the title against Bullets

Ruth Khasoka (with ball) of Ulinzi Starlets celebrate with teammates after scoring an equalizer against Vihiga Queens FC during their FKF Women Premier League match at Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi on January 26, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The race to win the 2024-2025 FKF Women's Premier League took a different plot on Monday when title hopefuls Ulinzi Starlets who were handed two points by federation slowed down defending champions Kenya Police Bullets coronation.

Bullets had celebrated winning the title over the weekend despite drawing 0-0 with Vihiga Queens but were slowed down when Ulinzi were handed a lifeline. Bullets had 43 points compared to Ulinzi's 39 with one match left.

The soldiers had protested their 2-2 draw against Zetech Sparks played on March 8, alleging their opponents fielded an illegible player in Bertha Omitta.

The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, having reviewed the protest lodged by Ulinzi Starlets found Zetech Sparks culpable.

The committee found that the player's transfer to Zetech Sparks was not finalized prior to the mentioned league match and that Zetech did not present Bertha Omita's FKF license for verification before the match.

Furthermore, despite the mentioned player appearing in the team sheet from the referee's report, no license number had been indicated for the player.

"Article 3.8.3 of the FKF Regulations provides that player(s) whose license cannot be presented by club officials at the time of inspection, shall be ineligible to play in the respective FKF Competition. Thus Zetech violated Art. 3.8.1 of the FKF Regulations by fielding a player without a valid license.

"Consequently, and in line with Art. 3.8.4 of the Regulations, Zetech Sparks FC are found guilty of this offence and shall forfeit the match which shall be awarded to Ulinzi Starlets FC," read the decision.

The two points pushed Ulinzi Starlets to second with 41 points, two points behind Bullets who sit top with 43 points.

The ruling sets up a dramatic finish to the season. If Bullets win their final match, they will clinch a second consecutive league title.

However, a draw or loss for the leaders - combined with a win for Ulinzi Starlets - would see the military side crowned champions for the first time.

Bullets will play Trinity Starlets in Nakuru in the decider while Ulinzi host Kisumu All Starlets at Ulinzi Sports Complex on May 25.