Football: Vihiga Queens maul Makolanders to retain WPL title

Vihiga Queens' forward Terry Engesha (9) vies for the ball during a past match against Kisumu Starlets. Engesha, who is leading the league's top scorer's sheet has expressed confidence the team will retain their title. [Eric Lungai, Standard]

Reigning Kenyan Women Premier League champions Vihiga Queens mauled Makolanders Ladies FC 7-0 to retain the title for a record third consecutive time after an entertaining match at Mumias Sports Complex yesterday. 

Vihiga retained the title with two matches to spare amassing 73 points from 26 matches.

They are six points better than their nearest rivals Gaspo Women FC and boast a superior goal difference of 84 against Gaspo’s 36.    

League top scorer Terry Engesha netted a hat-trick.

He opened the scoring in the 24th minute and went on to score two more goals in second half in the 55th and 79nd minute.

Gentrix Shikangwa, who replaced Cynthia Shilwatso in the 39th minute, only needed two minutes on the pitch to score the third goal to ensure the Queens went into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Shilwatso had scored in the 27th minute before being forced off with a an hamstring injury.

Topister Situma rounded off a good day in the office for coach Alex Alumira’s side, scoring in the 93rd minute when she beat Samantha Okeya and slotted past Pauline Atieno.

“We are happy that we have retained the title and we will still look forward to win it again and again,” Alumira said.     

Gaspo’s loss at Trans Nzoia Women FC last weekend meant that Vihiga were looking for only three points in the remaining three matches to retain the title, a fete they managed by beating Makolanders.

Despite easing pressure on their shoulders, Vihiga still have the home match against Gaspo, which they say will not be a walk in the park .