Champs Vihiga Queens out to rule expanded WPL

Kenyan Women Premier League (WPL) champions Vihiga Queens are back at their training base at the Kidundu Grounds ahead of the new season.

Queens head coach Alex Alumira says his side is bracing for a dogged title defence bid with the altered league format poised to present a tighter competition.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has merged zones ‘A’ and ‘B’ of the WPL ahead of the kickoff date scheduled for February 24.

“This year’s going to be hard but we are ready for it. The squad that won the league for us is still intact and we’ve made some good additions as we look forward for the new season,” Alumira told Citizen Digital.

At a crunch period for sport in the country as a result of cancelled sponsorships, the tactician confirmed that the Vihiga County has reiterated its support for team by promising to continue funding it.

“Vihiga County Government has promised to continue with our partnership but we urge well-wishers and other willing sponsors to come on board,” he said.

Queens have yet to secure their own home ground and will continue to use the Mumias Sports Complex and Bukhungu Stadium as their adopted home venues.

“It’s our prayer that we get to use our own pitch for home games and we are pleading with the County Government to allocate some cash for the construction of a modern stadium preferably here in Kidundu. This way even our fans will enjoy watching since most of them cannot afford to travel far to watch games.”

The Queens – winners in Zone B – were crowned WPL champions after defeating Zone A winners Thika Queens 2-1 in the playoffs.