A Conversation with Providence Khasiala: Can Vihiga Queens Top The League?

The FKF Women's Premier League title race is taking shape. The battle for supremacy continues as most teams eye the top spot. Teams are putting in a determined performance to achieve their season's target. The top contenders in the title race are Kenya Police Bullets, Ulinzi Starlets, Trinity Starlets, and Vihiga Queens.

The four-time champions, Vihiga Queens, are 2 points behind the league leaders, Kenya Police Bullets, though they have played one game more.

Vihiga Queens skipper, Providence Khasiala “Mwana Wa Mukalo,” speaking exclusively to Tisini, said she is confident that the title race is wide open and it's too early to judge the winner. “The league is still wide open. No one should say that it's only Police Bullets who have a chance, Ulinzi, and us Vihiga Queens, but still we have Trinity whose dreams are still alive for the championship.”

Vihiga Queens have shown some inconsistency this season. They have registered 8 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss, the results placing them second on the log with 29 points. The Skipper, Providence, urges her teammates to stay focused and work towards achieving their goal. “It is realistic to be the champions, but that means we don't have a chance to drop points anymore. We have a good team that can achieve that and just one game at a time.”

The Legacy Makers have scored 25 goals, which is the second highest in the league after Kenya Police Bullets' 43. Martha Amanyolete is the leading top scorer with 10 goals, followed by Airine Madalina, who has scored 6 goals. Georgian Mulati and Anita Namata have scored 3 goals each, while Providence Mukalo, Nantume Anita, and towering defender Ruth Khasoha have scored a goal each.

Defensively, they have one of the best records in the league, having conceded only six goals. On the run, they have kept 8 clean sheets.

Providence believes they have an experienced technical bench that will help the team navigate the title race pressure and catch up with the relentless Police Bullets. “Our approach remains the same. To try to have positive results as much as possible. Winning our games means we stay closer to the leaders. Every game needs a different approach, and we have a technical bench that is making sure we are well prepared before our next game.”

In recent seasons, the FKF Women's Premier League has become increasingly competitive, making it harder to predict a champion. Last season's winners, Police Bullets, are facing stiff competition this season as other teams are on their neck.

According to Providence, the league is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet, with several teams capable of taking the top spot. “Our target is to finish on top, considering it is so competitive.” Bullets are leading, and we have Ulinzi, who are also very consistent, and Trinity, Kayole, and Kibera Soccer; they all have good squads, a mixture of both experienced and young upcoming players. Madira also looks promising, and consistency will be key.”

As a captain, the coveted midfielder knows what it carries in putting on the armband. She is determined to help her side clinch the 5th league title. “First, my role is to play and, more so, do well as a midfielder. Being a captain comes with more responsibilities, and by that I mean making sure I am on top of my game and also helping my teammates to play well.”

Boniface Nyamunyamu's side will have to be consistent with their performance as they chase this season's glory.