Ulinzi Starlets head coach Joseph Wambua Mwanza is confident his charges will defend their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) women’s cup.
A total of 22 teams participated in the draw which comprised eight FKF women's Premier League clubs, four FKF women’s Super League clubs, six women Division One clubs, and four regional and county clubs.
Mwanza acknowledged that this year’s competition would be tough but exuded confidence Starlets would win their third title.
“I know the competition this time won’t be easy but as a team, we are ready. We respect all the teams because we know they also want to win,” he quipped.
Ulinzi Starlets begin their title defence against TUK Ravens on April 6 having previously won it twice. They defended it against Nakuru City Queens last year with an emphatic 3-1 victory at the Nyayo Stadium.
The gaffer further lauded FKF for coming up with the competition, noting that it would be a stepping stone for promising players to showcase their talents on the national stage.
“This tournament will empower teams in the lower leagues and empower women's football. It will also be a perfect scouting platformer for the top-tier teams to recruit,” he noted.
The teams were divided into two pots based on their rankings. Pot A consisted of the highest-ranked teams whereas Pot B had lower-ranked sides.
The first 12 teams will start at the preliminary stage while the remaining 10 secured automatic entry into the round of 16.
In the preliminary round, Nairobi Starlets will take on Royal Starlets, debutants Milima Queens face Gaspo, and NYS Queens lock horns with Nakuru City Queens. Makolanders women face KISPED while Embu Queens will seek qualification rites against Kenya Police Bullets.
Milima Queens CEO Nelly Kutsuru was also upbeat about her team's chances despite making a debut in the tourney.
“We are sure we will win and in the next five years we will be one of the biggest clubs in the country,” she said.
The preliminary round is slated for April 6-7 after which winners will proceed to the round of 16.
