Ulinzi Starlets tactician Joseph Wambua has expressed frustration with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for postponing the FKF Women’s Cup final, citing concerns that the delay will disrupt their pre-season plans.
Wambua led Ulinzi Starlets to the FKF Women’s Cup final after defeating the newly crowned Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) champions, Kenya Police Bullets, 4-2 in a penalty shootout on May 4 at Dandora Stadium. The victory set up a final clash against Kibera Soccer Ladies, who overcame Zetech Sparks 2-1 in the other semifinal.
However, the Cup final has been postponed, causing significant concern for Wambua. “We have waited for the final for the longest time despite playing the semis on May 4. It has impacted the players negatively because they have waited for so long, and also it means the season will end in July, which translates to limited time to prepare for the next season. It’s almost two months now since we played our semis, and I’m wondering why the final should be postponed for that long,” Wambua lamented.
The final, initially scheduled for June 16, was delayed to accommodate the national U17 team (Junior Starlets) in their World Cup qualifier matches, which they won against Burundi with an aggregate score of 5-0 in the fourth and final round.
Despite his frustration, Wambua remains confident in his team’s ability to secure their third consecutive FKF Cup title. “We are well prepared for the final. The only major injury doubt I had was for Diana Shakava, but she has since recovered well. We will give Kibera Soccer the respect they deserve considering that they managed third position in the cup last season, so they will be aiming for a better finish. I’m urging my players to stay focused ahead of the final, and I believe having done it for the last two editions, we shall win it for the third time in a row.”
The third-place playoff between Zetech Sparks and Kenya Police Bullets will take place on July 6, serving as a curtain-raiser for the final.
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