by Agnes Amondi
The Kiambu Derby: Can Gaspo claw back run away leaders Thika Queens
Gaspo Women will host Thika Queens at the Ruiru Grounds on Sunday in what is undoutebly the biggest showdown of the Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) this weekend.
The two occupy the first two slots in zone A, Thika in first on 24 points and Gaspo in second on 16 with a deficit of eight points.
The first leg ended in favour of the table toppers in a narrow 2-1 score margin, whih is one of two matches Gaspo has lost this season. The other was a 5-1 mauling in the hands of Kayole Starlets.
Hence, the match will be crucial for Gaspo who will be looking to open the gap between them and Ulinzi in third. So far, only a point separates the two. Thika Queens have a healthy lead but will be keen on extending their unbeaten streak and further strengthen their grip in zone A.
Gaspo Women Team Manager Githua is confident of their chances. He simply captured that with this statement: “We are going to win.” At the same time, he was very coy to reveal how they are going to approach the game as he “didn’t want to expose their game plan.”
Was last week a turning point for Mathare United Women?
Mathare United Women will have another go to try to pick another point or more when they travel to Ligi Dogo grounds to face Kibera Soccer Ladies in what has been cristened as the Slum derby.
Last week, Mathare earned their first point of the season against Kayole Starlets in a 2-2 draw. They came from behind twice courtesy of goals from Emma Wainaina and Gladys Akoth to seal the draw.
The Mary Adhiambo coached outfit are still at the foot of zone A table on one point, Makolanders ahead of them on four points and their opponents Kibera Girls Soccer Ladies in sixth on nine points.
Either team can win the game with the results projecting huge ramifications for the aformentioned teams. Kibera Ladies can climb out of the drop zone if other results favour them while Mathare can mount the same challenge with five round of matches remaining.
Can anyone stop Vihiga Queens in zone B?
It’s almost certain that reigning KWPL champions Vihiga Queens will be zone B champions and match through to the championship playoffs. Already on 22 points, six ahead of second placed Trans Nzoia Falcons – who tackle fourth placed Wadadia who’ve amassed 13 points and just three behind them on Saturday – they will hope to cement their place at the top.
This weekend’s opponent is relegation bound SEP Ladies. They host them at the Mumias Complex on Sunday. Their’s very little chance of upset as the promoted SEP have been out of sorts. They’ve lost their last two games whilst Vihiga have collected maximum points.
Sunday Fixtures
Kibera Soccer Ladies vs Mathare United Women
Makolanders vs Zetech Sparks
Kayole Starlets vs Ulinzi Starlets
Vihiga United vs SEP Ladies
Oserian Ladies vs Kisumu All Starlets
Gaspo Women vs Thika Queens
