Mwamba turn focus to Black Pearls after fifth Kenya Cup crown

Fresh from clinching a record-extending fifth Kenya Cup Women’s title, Mwamba are now turning their attention to the East Africa Women’s Champions Cup clash against Uganda’s Black Pearls on May 30 at RFUEA Grounds.

Head coach Joseph Babu hailed his side’s heroic effort in securing the unprecedented fifth crown, saying the focus has already shifted to the next assignment. “Delighted with the performance. Winning a fifth title has not been easy, especially for the girls. Now we focus on our upcoming match, and next week we go back to training for the East Africa title,” said Babu.

He warned that the encounter against Black Pearls will be their toughest test of the season. “The clash between us will be a tough test. We know they are a quality side, but we are equally up to the task, and we will be going flat out to win and add the trophy to our cabinet,” noted Babu.

The tactician praised his team’s maturity and composure after they came from behind to beat Kenya Harlequins 30-20 in a tense final. “We trailed at half-time 13-10, but my charges never panicked. We believed in our structures and game management to come out and dominate the second half and eventually carry the day,” added Babu.

He further highlighted the team’s steady growth and integration of young talent over the years. “This team has matured in the last five years. We have grown as a unit and also blooded players from high school who will carry this team in the next couple of years,” he said.

In the final played at the Goan Institute, Kenya Lionesses’ Edith Nariaka opened the scoring for Mwamba before Harlequins responded through Yvette Okech and Sheila Chajira, with Milkah Chitechi adding conversions and a penalty. After the break, Mwamba took control as Janet “Shebesh” Okello, Rose Otieno, debutant Irene Apiyo and Ann Namunyak each crossed the line to seal victory over Quins, who showed promising signs despite being a relatively new side in the competition.