Vihiga’s Alumira eyeing KWPL title defense

After landing a two-year kit sponsorship from Just be Master, Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League (KWPL) reigning champions Vihiga Queens are optimistic of defending their title this season.

Just be Master, a value driven organization providing management resources had an earlier a one-year deal with the champions which ended in 2018, but last week announced a two-year extension.

Head coach Alex Alumira says the sponsorship plus the major one they receive from the Government of Vihiga County will majorly boost their campaign to retain the title.

“I feel happy for the sponsorship, we had pressing financial challenges and this is a great motivation to the ladies as we aim to keep the title.

“Last season we had difficulties in honoring our away matches because of the heavy costs involved but we managed to win the title for the second time. I hope we will do it this year, and the sponsorship is just a big signal of good things to come,” offered the coach.

Vihiga Queens so far has won two matches this season, a walk over against Vihiga Leeds and 3-0 against  Kibera Gilrs Soccer Academy in the first and second round fixtures consecutively.

Alumira however appreciates competition in the league is growing fast, noting the overall job being done by stakeholders to improve women football locally has helped initially weaker sides to rise.

“Teams like Oserian and Soccer Queens used to concede eight to 10 goals last season, but this season they have really improved. That means we shouldn’t be in a comfort as we plan,” noted Alumira.

KWPL play two matches every weekend in close venues,  as a strategy of cutting cost, which the coach opines is a challenge to teams especially in fielding the finest.

“Playing two matches each weekend is a very hard task to my girls, we need to spend more time in training. I also have to recruit my junior players to the senior team, by doing that we will achieve our goals, because we need depth to mitigate the challenge.” lamented Alumira.