Vihiga Queens head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu believes the call-up of three of his players to the national team Harambee Starlets is a sign of progress for the Women’s Premier League hunters.
Captain Providence Khasiala, Martha Amunyollette and Airin Madalina were picked for Starlets’ upcoming friendlies away to Algeria on November 26 and November 30, in Blida.
“It tells us our work is visible, our development is on track and the girls have earned this purely on merit,” he said.
“Providence has led from the front, Martha has become more confident in tight spaces and Airin has sharpened her runs and decisions.” Their call-ups will motivate the rest of the squad.
“When three teammates get national recognition, it pushes everyone else to shift their gears,” he said.
Nyamunyamu urged the trio to make the most of the Algeria assignment.
“I told them to express themselves, learn and bring that experience back home,” he said.
Once again, champions Kenya Police Bullets produced the biggest number of players (four) to the national side, a fact Nyamunyamu wishes to surpass in the next international window.
The squad was named amid notable absences, including Ulinzi Starlets’ Tabitha Amoit and Lavender Ann, who joined the Defence Forces Recruit Training School in Eldoret, and forward Violet Nanjala, who is recovering from injury.
Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has five new inclusions: Emily Morang’a, Providence Mukalo, Valerie Nekesa, Sheryl Muyera and Euphrasier Shilwatso. Muyera earns her first senior call-up, Mukalo returns to the fold, and Shilwatso rejoins after missing the previous squad.
The squad of 23 reports to camp on Friday and departs for Algeria on Sunday.
Starlets Squad:
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu (Police), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanța, Romania), Defenders: Leah Andiema (Police), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Sheryl Muyera (Zetech), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigücüspor), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens, Greece), Enez Mango (Farul Constanța, Romania), Midfielders: Medina Abubakar (Police), Providence Khasiala (Vihiga), Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyollette (Vihiga), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba), Forwards: Emily Morang’a (Police), Airin Madalina (Vihiga), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Kayole Starlets), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Elizabeth Mutukiza (Simba), Jereko Mwanalima (HB Køge, Denmark)
by CHARLENE MALWA
