By Agnes Amondi,
After all the delay, kick off to the 2020 Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) season is upon us. Here are three things to look forward to.
The start stop sequence of the league
There will be a two week break after every match week of the new season. The next games after this weekend’s (7th & 8th) will be on March 21 and 22. This is the equivalent of at least two game weeks every month and a total of 14 games for each team in the entire season.
This will definitely interfere with the momentum of teams and the league. The quality, as some coaches are also keen to point out, might be impacted.
Hence, be ready for a string of friendly matches to fill in the inadequacy of games.
Prospect of a dark horse
There’s always a risk of building ‘unwarranted’ anticipation toward a team at the begin of season based on their performance. Moreso if it eclipsed everyone else’s and the teams backroom staff & boardroom seems organised.
Yours truly is ready to walk this finite line. Ulinzi Starlets, the outfit from the disciplined forces, I pick to be the surprise package.
It’s their first top tier season but already have players with not only premier league experience but also international pedigree.
Neddy Atieno for example. She previously played for Makolanders and joined the team after its formation in 2018.
Lucy Mukhwana was Division ones top scorer on 11 goals. Already, she has been on target for Ulinzi in their warm up matches. She knows the league too well having featured for the two time WPL champions Thika Queens in the past.
Also, Leah Muriithi formerly of Thika Queens and Tabitha Awuor formerly of the relegated Spedag are in their ranks.
Having seen other teams the like of Gaspo Women and Trans Nzoia Falcons florish within two seasons of getting promoted, Ulinzi Starlets might join in and be one of the regulars.
Thika Queens, Gaspo Women have their work cut out for title contention
Team Manager Grantone Muganga declared that 2020 is the year when the two time champions get back to the high table.
Gaspo Women are as well hoping that they can start filling in their trophy cabinet.
And it is a target that’s been pushed closer with the league operating in a zonal system.
The aforementioned are the teams to beat within the Nairobi region and will, without doubt be fighting for the top two slots.
It is expected that Vihiga Queens will dominate its zone, Trans Nzoia Falcons being the closest challengers, and emerge top.
As such, both of these clubs (Gaspo & Thika), with the calibre of players at their disposal should be able to have a fierce clash between them as they jostle for a playoff spot.
