AFC Leopardess coach Florence Adhiambo/ HANDOUTAFC Leopards' women's side will rely on a blend of experience and youth as head coach Florence Adhiambo begins her rebuilding project against Gitothua FC in their FKF National Super League opener on Sunday.
The team, also known as Leopardess, seek to improve on last season’s sixth-place finish in Zone A. Adhiambo, the former Harambee Starlets captain, has inherited a reshaped squad strengthened by seven new signings.
The match kicks off at 1 pm at GSU Headquarters in Allsops, Nairobi, after the team’s scheduled opening fixture was postponed. Adhiambo sees the new campaign as an opportunity to build a competitive unit by combining the experience of the existing players with the energy of the newcomers.
“The new additions provide competition in several departments while also allowing me to introduce younger players alongside those who already understand the demands of the league,” Adhiambo said.
Leopardess have recruited defender Esther Muhonja (Murang’a Sparks); midfielder Veneratta Mkoa (Coastal Women); strikers Cynthia Okwado and Sharlot Atieno (Kisped Kenya), midfielder Irene Naqmade (Bandari Queens), defender Melissa Etyang (Inspectorate Lionesses); and defender Christine Njeri (Mathare United).
The new arrivals have increased competition for places while giving Adhiambo options across the pitch. The coach, however, acknowledges that integrating them with the established players will be crucial to the team’s progress. “The objective is to develop a balanced unit rather than depend solely on the individual quality of the new arrivals,” she said.
That process will face an immediate test against Gitothua, who proved a difficult opponent for Leopardess last season. The two teams played out a goalless draw in their first meeting before Gitothua claimed a 1-0 victory in the return fixture.
Gitothua finished eighth in Zone "A", four points behind Leopardess. Leopardess ended last season with 29 points from 21 matches, recording nine wins, five draws and seven defeats. They scored 23 goals and conceded 22. Their campaign included 1-0 victories over TUK Ravens and Barcelona Ladies, a 2-0 away win against Mombasa Olympic and a goalless draw with Bandari Queens.
They were, however, beaten 2-0 by eventual champions Mathare United Women and 3-1 by Gor Mahia Queens, although they had earlier defeated Gor 1-0. “The results underline the consistency Leopardess will need to improve if they are to challenge higher up the standings this season,” Adhiambo said.
After Gitothua, Leopardess will host Bandari Queens on October 11 before facing Hildana Queens. They will then host MTG United before travelling to meet Diani Queens.
The demanding opening run will test the depth of Adhiambo’s squad and how quickly the new players can gel with the existing group. Adhiambo’s target is to build on last season’s campaign while developing a side capable of sustaining its challenge throughout the WNSL season.
“The target is to build on last season’s campaign while creating a side capable of sustaining its challenge over the long WNSL season,” she said. Sunday’s encounter will therefore provide the first competitive measure of Adhiambo’s new-look Leopardess, with the coach looking to turn her blend of experience and youth into a stronger campaign.
National Super League fixtures: Saturday: Gor Mahia Queens vs Hildana Queens, MYSA Komarock (1 pm), Bandari Queens vs Diani Queens FC, Mbaraki (1 pm), Sunderland Samba vs Marine Queens, NCC grounds, Ngong Road (1 pm); Sunday: FC 105 Naivasha Starlets Vs MTG United, Kiandege grounds, Naivasha (1 pm), Murang'a Seals Lionesses vs TUK Ravens, St Sebastian, Murang'a |(3 pm), AFC Leopardess vs Gitothua Starlets, GSU Headquarters (4 pm).
