The 2024-2025 FKF Women’s Premier League is set to kick off this Saturday with a full slate of fixtures, marking the beginning of what promises to be another season of intense competition.
Reigning champions Kenya Police Bullets will look to defend their crown, while former five-time champions Vihiga Queens are eyeing redemption as they seek to reclaim the title they lost last season.
Vihiga Queens will open their campaign against Ulinzi Starlets in a highly anticipated match at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, starting at 1 p.m. The Queens, once the undisputed force in Kenyan women’s football, had a challenging 2023-2024 season, ultimately ceding their throne to Kenya Police Bullets. As they begin the new campaign, head coach Boniface Nyamunyamuh is adamant that this first match is crucial in setting the tone for the season.
“This game is a must-win for us,” said Nyamunyamuh in a pre-match interview. “We’ve had solid preseason preparations, and the team is hungry to prove that last season’s disappointments are behind us. We’ve worked on our weaknesses, strengthened the squad, and we’re ready to compete for the title again. The quality within the squad is undeniable.”
Vihiga Queens’ squad has undergone changes, with new talent brought in to bolster the team’s depth and resolve. After last season’s mixed results, Nyamunyamuh believes his side is well-equipped to challenge for the league’s top spot once again, driven by experienced players who know what it takes to win and new faces eager to make their mark.
Defending champions Kenya Police Bullets, on the other hand, will begin their title defense in Nairobi with a clash against Kisped Queens at Police Sacco Grounds, also at 1 p.m. After a dominant performance last season, the Bullets are determined to maintain their supremacy, and this opening fixture will be the first test of their resolve.
Elsewhere, Bungoma Queens will host Kibera Soccer at Bungoma National Polytechnic in a 12 p.m. kickoff, in what should be a closely contested match. Both teams are coming off mid-table finishes last season and will be looking to make an early statement this time around.
Trinity Starlets will square off against Bunyore Starlets at ASK Showground, Nakuru, with both sides aiming for better fortunes this season. Trinity Starlets, especially, are hoping to improve on their performances after a difficult 2023-2024 campaign.
Mombasa Olympic will take on Wadadia in the day’s late fixture at Ronald Ngala Primary School Grounds, kicking off at 3 p.m. The coastal side, Mombasa Olympic, will be keen to defend their home turf, while Wadadia seeks to start their season on a positive note after an inconsistent run last year.
Sunday’s lone fixture will see Kisumu All Starlets face off against Zetech Sparks at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, at 1 p.m. Zetech Sparks finished strongly last season, and they will want to build on that momentum. However, playing away to Kisumu All Starlets poses a tricky challenge for the visitors, as All Starlets are known for their resilience at home.
Despite the talent on display and the growing number of Kenyan female footballers plying their trade abroad, the FKF Women’s Premier League remains relatively low-key. The league still operates without a title sponsor, and the matches lack broadcast exposure, something that has hampered the growth of women’s football in the country. These issues persist despite the fact that Kenya has been exporting talent across Africa and overseas, with players excelling in leagues in Sweden, Turkey, and Spain, among others.
There is growing frustration among fans and stakeholders alike, who believe that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) needs to do more to elevate women’s football. The lack of sponsorship not only affects the visibility of the league but also the financial incentives for players, many of whom juggle football with other jobs. Increased investment and media coverage are crucial to unlocking the full potential of women’s football in Kenya.
As the season begins, all eyes will be on the performances of the players and teams. However, the underlying challenges facing the league are a reminder that there is still a long way to go in promoting and supporting women’s football at the domestic level. For now, the action on the pitch takes center stage as the FKF Women’s Premier League kicks off, with the hope that brighter days are ahead for the league and its talented players.
FKF Women’s Premier League Fixtures
Saturday, 5th October 2024:
- Bungoma Queens vs Kibera Soccer – 12:00 p.m. at Bungoma National Polytechnic
- Kenya Police Bullets vs Kisped Queens – 1:00 p.m. at Police Sacco Grounds
- Trinity Starlets vs Bunyore Starlets – 1:00 p.m. at ASK Showground, Nakuru
- Vihiga Queens vs Ulinzi Starlets – 1:00 p.m. at Moi Stadium, Kisumu
- Mombasa Olympic vs Wadadia – 3:00 p.m. at Ronald Ngala Primary School Grounds
Sunday, 6th October 2024:
- Kisumu All Starlets vs Zetech Sparks – 1:00 p.m. at Moi Stadium, Kisumu
