FKF Women’s Premier League (WPL) giants Ulinzi Starlets have received a major boost ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season following the expected return of six key players from military training.Influential Harambee Starlets midfielder Lavender Akinyi, Khezia Ngaira, Phiona Ariko, Mercy Akumu, Tabitha Amoit and Joy Kinglady left the team during the first leg of the season to pursue military careers after securing slots to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).##NAJAVA_MECA_9889558##The military outfit had to cope with the absence of the six players for a major part of the season, a factor that dealt a significant blow to their league title ambitions.However, the six have completed their six-month training. They are among the thousands set to pass out on Thursday, August 13, at the Recruit Training School (RTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, bringing renewed optimism to the team.“As their football family, our mission is clear: hold the fort, keep the formation, and wait for the return of Kenya's pillars of strength. The boots will be polished. The uniforms will be sharp. The salute will be ready. And when our soldiers march back to us, we shall welcome them with the pride they deserve.Government reveals when Ol Kalou Stadium will be completedThey left as footballers. They return as soldiers. The Starlets camp awaits your return,” reads a Facebook post by Ulinzi.Their return will also be a major boost to the national team, Harambee Starlets, where Ngaira and Akinyi were key figures.A glimpse of Talanta Stadium lighting akin to Allianz Arena [VIDEO]Akinyi’s services in the base of midfield were particularly missed during Kenya's disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign, where the Starlets were eliminated at the group stage after losing all three matches and failing to find the back of the net.For Ulinzi Starlets, who finished second behind Kenya Police Bullets in the 2025/26 season, the return of the six players will be a major boost as they seek to challenge for the league title in the new campaign.Harambee Stars midfielder features as Yanga lift community shield
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