Bungoma Queens head coach Godfrey Mabonga has expressed satisfaction with his team’s growing cohesion and improved performances in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Premier League.

Mabonga noted that the squad is showing a much sharper edge compared to early-season outings. He attributed the resurgence to the smooth integration of new signings and the existing core, a synergy that allows them to play a more fluid and attacking brand of football.

He also pointed to their recent clash against Kenya Police Bullets as evidence of the progress, saying, “The team has greatly improved, not like at the beginning of the season."

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"The new and old players have found chemistry because looking at the game against Police, we lost to a good side, but the performance was much better,” he added.

He also revealed plans to organise a series of friendly matches to keep sharpening the squad ahead of the crucial run-in, as Bungoma Queens prepare to face Zetech Sparks. Zetech are currently sitting eighth with 22 points and are aiming to finish the season on a high.

Elsewhere, Kibera Soccer Women returned from a five-week layoff to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gideon Starlets at Gems Cambridge International School in Karen on Wednesday.

Esse Akida scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute after a slick move down the left flank by Pauline Atieno before tapping home a low cross that proved enough to clinch the three points.

Kibera coach and general manager, George Bob Okallo, lauded his players’ resilience despite the long break.

“First half, I thought we played very well. We should have scored a few more goals. In the second half, we lost our rhythm, and the game became a little bit difficult. Actually, they had a chance to tie the game, but overall, we give glory for the opportunity to play, and we're excited for the three points,” he added.

“I’ll tell the team how proud I am because they played hard. I thought they played very smart. We maintained good possession, although some of the decisions may not have been the best, especially in the midfield. We pressed really high; didn’t give the opponents the chance to build up from the back, and so, overall, very proud of my team.”

Gideon Starlets' head coach Silas Wesechere admitted the defeat was a setback, especially with his team hovering in the relegation zone.

“We came with a target to win this match because we are in the red zone. Our main aim is to get out of that relegation zone. With this one now gone, we are preparing for the next match so that we have the three points to make sure we are safe.”

Kibera’s win lifts them into fifth place on goal difference above Zetech Sparks, with both sides on 28 points but Kibera holding a game in hand.

Gideon Starlets remain 10th on 17 points, three away from safety, as Soccer Assassins sit ninth on 20 points, also with a game in hand.

This set up a tense final stretch where Bungoma Queens aim to climb higher, Kibera push for a top-four finish, and teams in the lower half fight to avoid the drop.