November 12, 2024

Bungoma boss optimistic of club's WPL survival

Bungoma boss optimistic of club's WPL survival
Bungoma Queens in past action/Photo/Bungoma Queens FC

The WPL first timers finished the first leg placed ninth on the log, one position above the relegation zone on 9 points from 10 matches, having won 2 and drawn in 3.

Well aware of their relegation-threatened status in the Women Premier League (WPL), Bungoma Queens' head coach Robert Machio is on a redemption path as they seek to remain in the top-tier at the end of the season.

The WPL first timers finished the first leg placed ninth on the log, one position above the relegation zone on 9 points from 10 matches, having won 2 and drawn in 3.

On the weekend, the side played for a 5-4 loss in a 9-goal thriller against Kibera Soccer, a side they held to a goalless draw at the beginning of the season in Sudi.

A 75th minute Nancy Atako goal did Bungoma in as they were unable to equalise for at least a point in the match.

Maria Ambila's brace in the 3rd and 44th minutes as well as Maximilla Robi and Joyce Okuku's goals in the 19th and 72nd minutes had leveled the score with Bungoma's tally coming from Catherine Khaemba (10', 67') and Juliet Mukhekhe (26', 55').

"We had hoped for at least a draw away. It was a 50/50 encounter but we struggled to advance due to the condition of the pitch which was water-logged.

Unlike in other matches where we have struggled to score, we made use of all our chances as did Kibera. We now regroup and look to bounce back to winning ways in our next fixture," the tactician said.

Trans Nzoia Falcons have already been relegated with two more sides set to face the chop. Troubled Gaspo Women and Bunyore Starlets are next in line on 5 and 9 points respectively. Bungoma and 8th placed Zetech Sparks are also on 9 points.

"All the bottom-of-the-table teams have the chance to survive as the second leg just got started. We are therefore keen to mend any leaks before playing these three teams and ensure we get the 9 available points," Machio continued.

He singled out their finishing and defense as areas of concern with their biggest strength being in their midfield.

"We are letting in many goals and losing countless chances ahead which should nit be the case. We have roped in a keeper and are in talks with two defenders who will add to our depth and address some of these issues. We are also working to refine our finishing," he added while hoping there will be no exits from the current squad.

Table Standing

# Team P W D L F A +/- PTS
1. Kibera Soccer Women FC 5 3 1 1 8 1 7 10
2. Vihiga Queens 4 3 1 0 5 0 5 10
3. Bungoma Queens 5 3 0 2 10 4 6 9
4. Trinity Starlets 4 3 0 1 6 1 5 9
5. Kenya Police Bullets 5 2 2 1 8 4 4 8
6. Zetech Sparks 5 2 1 2 7 9 -2 7
7. Kisumu All Starlets 5 2 1 2 5 7 -2 7
8. Ulinzi Starlets 4 1 2 1 3 3 0 5
9. KISPED Queens 5 1 2 2 5 6 -1 5
10. Mombasa Olympics Ladies FC 4 1 2 1 2 3 -1 5
11. Wadadia 5 1 0 4 2 12 -10 3
12. Bunyore Starlets 5 0 0 5 2 13 -11 0