Marceline Wayodi, the skipper of Vihiga Queens, has emphasized the importance of staying focused as they prepare for the upcoming Cecafa club championship in Kampala, Uganda, scheduled for July.
The tournament will also serve as a qualifier for the third edition of the Caf Women’s Champions League set to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast later this year.
Having secured the 202 Kenya Women’s Premier League title, Vihiga Queens celebrated their achievement with a 2-1 victory over Gaspo Women in a dead rubber match at Police Sacco Stadium.
The team, led by coach Boniface Nyamunyamuh, was officially crowned champions, having confirmed their title status two weeks prior with a 2-1 win against Nakuru City Queens at Nakuru Showground.
Wayodi commended the team in an interview for their impressive performance and urged them to shift their focus towards winning the Cecafa title, where they will face tough opponents such as Simba Queens.
Expressing her satisfaction with the league victory, Wayodi acknowledged the challenging competition posed by Gaspo and credited the management for their unwavering support. With their fourth league title secured, Vihiga Queens now set their sights on conquering the Cecafa championship and making an impact on the regional and continental stage.
Wayodi also acknowledged the presence of new teams in the tournament, including JKT Queens from Tanzania and Kampala City Queens from Uganda. She emphasized the importance of respecting all participating teams, as Vihiga Queens aim to qualify for the Caf championship, a goal she believes they can easily achieve.
Meanwhile, the club’s CEO, Michael Senelwa Ogada, expressed optimism in their chances of clinching both the Cecafa and Caf Champions League titles for the first time.
Ogada highlighted the significance of the league win, not only for the club but for the entire country, as Vihiga Queens will represent Kenya in the regional championship against other teams.
Looking ahead, Ogada emphasized the importance of proper planning, including signing new quality players and organizing a boot training camp, to strengthen the squad for the upcoming tournament. Vihiga Queens finished at the top of the league table with 55 points, seven points clear of runners-up Gaspo.
With their sights set on success in the upcoming Cecafa championship, Vihiga Queens aim to continue their impressive form and make their mark on the regional and continental stage.
