Kenya Police Bullets begin their quest for a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League (CAF WCL) with a clash against Tanzanian giants Simba Queens on Monday, 24 August at the Kigali Pele Stadium. The CECAFA qualifiers are aimed at picking the best team from the region that will compete in the Champions League.
The Champions League will have a total of eight teams, with each of the six CAF regional zones producing a team, while the other two slots are filled by a team from the host country and the defending champions. While Police Bullets have dominated the last three FKF Women Premier League (WPL) seasons, they have failed to make a mark at the continental stage, having failed to win the CECAFA Qualifiers on all attempts.
For the team, local glory is currently not a measure of success. Last year, the team finished second in the qualifiers, forcing the management to relieve coach Beldine Odemba of her duties. Subsequently, the club replaced Odemba with David Bujego.Kimanzi explains why FKF allows coaches without CAF A licence to lead FKFPL clubsThe former Kibera Soccer Women tactician therefore understands the magnitude of the task ahead and will seek to have a strong start when they face Simba.
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Police Bullets Secretary General Chris Oguso emphasized the importance of the match, highlighting the monetary rewards and the pride of the nation, while also revealing the miles the club has gone to support the team.“Winning the CECAFA trophy allows us to represent the region during the CAF Women’s Champions League, a tournament where money is awarded to all the quarter-finalists and eventual winners. Money is a big factor in football management and team success; hence the morale in our camp to vigorously fight for this CECAFA trophy.
The management was able to fly out all 26 players and 16 technical bench staff despite the financial constraints just to make sure that the morale and togetherness of the team are maintained,” Oguso told Mozzart Sport.Tusker’s confidence soars after warming up for new season with Super Cup win over Gor MahiaPolice will also face familiar faces on the Simba Queens side, which boasts of Harambee Starlets players Corazone Aquino, Ruth Ingosi, Fasila Adhiambo and Elizabeth Wambui.The latter will, however, not be available for selection after picking up an injury.