Bandari Queens head coach Jonathan Washe insists his side remain firmly in the race for promotion to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) despite operating with a depleted squad this season.
“We are still pushing with only 16 players this season,” said Washe. “During our first match of the year we picked up four injuries, but hopefully they will be fit as we approach our next match. As the transfer window opens, we are planning to beef up our squad.”
Despite the challenges, Bandari Queens have stayed competitive and currently sit third on the National Super League table with 16 points, nine behind leaders Mathare United Women.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s home clash against TUK Ravens FC at the Mbaraki Sports Ground, Washe says his team is better prepared than earlier in the year.
“We are ready for the TUK match, unlike the first match of the year when we played just after the end-of-year holiday and the players were fatigued,” he added. “We are still in the first leg of the season, and as the second leg begins, we will aim for 100 percent wins.”
Team captain Venereta Mkoa believes the fixture marks a key moment in their promotion journey.
“Our journey to the Women’s Premier League starts this weekend,” said Mkoa. “We started training late this year, but now we are up and running. Everyone is in good shape and we are targeting more wins this year to secure promotion.”
Bandari Queens’ campaign has been built on a strong defensive backbone, with goalkeeper Belinda Akinyi leading the clean sheets chart after conceding only two goals in nine National Super League matches.
Their attack has also delivered, scoring 12 goals so far this season, with striker Happy Mutta jointly topping the goal-scoring chart alongside Hildana Queens’ Faith Chepkorir, both on five goals.