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WPL title race goes down to the wire after Ulinzi Starlets awarded points

Ulinzi Starlets’ Sheryl Angachi

Ulinzi Starlets’ Sheryl Angachi (left) in action during their FKF Women’s Premier League match against Kenya Police Bullets at Ruaraka grounds on on February 8, 2025. 

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
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By  Toto Arege

Correspondent

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • The ruling sets up a dramatic finish to the season. If Bullets win their final match, they will clinch a second consecutive league title.
  • However, a draw or loss for the leaders — combined with a win for Ulinzi Starlets — would see the military side crowned champions for the first time.

The Football Kenya Federation Women Premier League (FKF-WPL) title race will go down to the final day after Ulinzi Starlets were awarded two crucial points on Monday.

Ulinzi Starlets had protested their 2-2 draw against Zetech Sparks on March 8 at Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi, claiming that Sparks fielded an ineligible player, striker Bertha Omitta.

The club argued that Omitta’s transfer from Kisumu-based Bullets in February had not been finalised at the time of the match.

Related

Through an official statement on their website on Monday, FKF confirmed that Sparks failed to present Omitta’s player license for verification ahead of the fixture — a match that Ulinzi Starlets played under protest.

“From the Referee’s Report, the mentioned player appears in the team sheet. However, no license number has been indicated for the player.

Article 3.8.3 of the FKF Regulations provides that player(s) whose license cannot be presented by club officials at the time of inspection, shall be ineligible to play in the respective FKF Competition,” part of the ruling read by Nation Sport stated.

The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee subsequently ruled:

“Zetech Sparks FC violated Art. 3.8.1 of the FKF Regulations by fielding a player without a valid license. Consequently, and in line with Art. 3.8.4 of the Regulations, Zetech Sparks FC are found guilty of this offence and shall forfeit the match, which shall be awarded to Ulinzi Starlets FC.”

As a result of the decision, second-placed Ulinzi Starlets move up to 41 points, just two behind league leaders and defending champions, Kenya Police Bullets, who are on 43 points.

The ruling sets up a dramatic finish to the season. If Bullets win their final match, they will clinch a second consecutive league title. A draw will also be good enough for Beldine Odemba's side to claim the title. 

However, a loss for the leaders — combined with a win for Ulinzi Starlets — would see the military side crowned champions for the first time.

On the final day of the season, Kenya Police Bullets face Trinity Starlets at the Trinity Complex in Nakuru on May 25, while Ulinzi Starlets host Kisumu All Starlets at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

Reacting to the ruling, Ulinzi Starlets coach Collins Oduor downplayed the impact, saying the team remains focused on finishing the season strongly.

"This ruling doesn't favor us; football is dynamic," said Oduor on Monday, referencing their slow start and unexpected top-two finish.

"But it doesn't mean we won't finish strong. We're prepared and shifting focus to the FKF Women's Cup round of 16," added Oduor.

On the other side, Bullets coach Beldine Odemba expressed her confidence and determination with a brief but bold post on her X page following the ruling.

"One more final," she posted.