Struggling no more! Bunyore Starlets finally secured their first win of the Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) season with a gritty 2-1 triumph over Mombasa Olympics FC at Mumboha Sports Ground on Saturday, December 14,2024.
The visitors stunned the home crowd with an early opener, but Bunyore’s Clarice Audi sparked hope in the 20th minute with a clinical equalizer. Moments later, captain Shirleen Onjote sent the crowd into a frenzy with a jaw-dropping free kick from outside the box, sealing the decisive goal before halftime.
Head coach Solomon Masika couldn’t hide his delight at the long-awaited victory, calling it an “answered prayer” and a pivotal moment for his team. “This win gives us direction for the rest of the season,” Masika said. “It’s the first step in rebuilding and climbing up the KWPL standings.”
Currently at the bottom of the table with six points, Masika remains upbeat about the team’s prospects. Addressing second-half criticism, where the Starlets adopted a more defensive approach, Masika stood firm on his strategy. “I had to prioritize our lead given the players’ fitness levels. The goal was to protect our advantage, and it worked,” he explained.
For Mombasa Olympics FC, frustration was palpable. Head coach George Obiero rued missed chances and what he termed questionable officiating. “We dominated the game, but key decisions went against us. Away games are always tough, but this one is a bitter pill to swallow,” he lamented.
With the home crowd energized by the victory, Bunyore Starlets now turn their focus to a critical midweek clash against Ulinzi Starlets. Coach Masika stressed the importance of building on this momentum. “We must capitalize on this win to regain our fans’ trust and push further up the standings,” he said.
As the KWPL heats up, all eyes will be on Bunyore Starlets to see if this victory marks the beginning of a turnaround in their season.
