Kenya Police Bullets defender Lydia Waganda/ HANDOUT As Kenya Police Bullets celebrated their third consecutive Women Premier League title a fortnight ago, veteran defender Lydia Waganda took a moment to reflect on a journey defined by consistency, discipline and loyalty.
For one of the longest-serving women footballers in the country, the latest triumph marked a sixth league title overall, having previously won three championships with former giants Thika Queens.
Nine seasons in the Kenyan Women's Premier League, six league crowns and three straight titles with Police Bullets have cemented Waganda’s place among the most decorated players in local women’s football.
The experienced defender, who has only featured for Thika Queens — formerly Bullets — and Kenya Police Bullets throughout her top-flight career, said persistence and commitment to local opportunities played a key role in shaping her success.
Fresh from helping Police Bullets secure yet another league title, Waganda revealed that her decision not to abandon football despite missing opportunities abroad became a defining moment in her career.
“I promised myself that I was not going to give up on football even if I did not get the opportunity to play abroad. I decided I would grab and make good use of the opportunities available to me at home,” said Waganda.
Her six league titles are evenly split between Thika Queens and Kenya Police Bullets. The Harambee Starlets defender credited discipline and hard work for helping her remain competitive over the years, even as many of her former teammates have since retired from the game.
“That, coupled with discipline and hard work, has made it possible for me to achieve what I have achieved so far. Most of the players I started with have since stopped playing, but here I am with my sixth league title,” she added.
Waganda also highlighted stability at club level as an often-overlooked ingredient in achieving longevity in football, noting that remaining with one club for an extended period allows players to settle, grow and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
“Longevity also comes with staying at a club for a significant period instead of roaming between clubs, which in the end destabilises a player,” she noted.
Her remarks came after Kenya Police Bullets completed another dominant domestic campaign to retain the Women Premier League title, extending their remarkable start to life in the top division by winning the championship in each of their first three seasons.
“There are no easy games in the league, especially here in Kenya. You really have to put in the work to become champions. The secret has been discipline, teamwork and hard work,” said Waganda.
The versatile defender also praised the Police Bullets management, led by chairman Nyale Munga, for creating a conducive environment that has helped sustain the club’s winning culture. “Our management has been very supportive and has made things easier for us. We get ample time to train, access to good facilities and strong support during away matches,” she concluded.
