Women Football: Coach: Queens plan to sign youngsters this year

Vihiga Queens have announced plans to sign young players in readiness for the 2018-2019 season.

Alex Alumira, the coach of the Football Kenya Federation Women Premier League defending champions, said they needed to fashion a strong squad as they make their third appearance in the top flight league.

He said the Vihiga-based side were optimistic of staging a good show even though they had yet to achieve their best results.

They lost 2-0 to Thika Queens in their second appearance in the league in the 2016 season.

 “There will be no big name signing as we plan for a youthful squad that will guarantee us longevity and meet our core objective of developing hidden talent,” he said.

The team, which is sponsored by the Vihiga County government, beat two-time champions Thika Queens 2-1 during the play-off last season will, however, miss the striking force of Cynthia Shilwatso, who will travel to Sweden for three-month trials at top league side Hammarby FC.

The 18-year-old who has featured for Vihiga Queens since she was 13 years old travels to Sweden with Lily Awuor, a Kenyan who  turns up for Tanzanian side Kigoma Sisters. The two, who are set to be the first East Africans to feature in the Swedish league, will jet out on Thursday.

Alumira said he had no transfers in the team this season and expected new signings to bolster speed in their matches.

“We have a depth squad for this season and our aim is to bring in the young players to get the pace in matches. We want to build a team for the future,” he said.

The league is expected to kick off next month, with its format also expected to change. [Rebecca Jebet]