Godfrey Mabonga says his first task on return to Bungoma Queens is to restore confidence and tighten defensive discipline as they seek to disentangle themseleves from the relegation zone.
Club chairman Eric Marango announced Mabonga’s reappointment following the unexpected departure of Ben Baraza.
Under Baraza, Queens endured a tough start to the 2026/27 Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League campaign, losing all their opening six matches.
Mabonga acknowledged the immediate hurdles facing the 11th-placed side but remains focused on transforming their fortunes.
“I am happy to be back at Bungoma Queens. I understand the team, the players and the expectations of the club,” Mabonga said.
“It is not the situation we would have wanted to find ourselves in but football is about challenges. I am ready to take up this responsibility.”
Mabonga’s primary focus is addressing the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded 18 goals in six matches while earning just two points.
“My first priority is to restore confidence among the players. We have to work on our defensive organisation, improve our decision-making and become more clinical in front of goal,” he explained.
“We cannot continue conceding goals the way we have been doing. Every player must understand their responsibility.”
His first test is a formidable home fixture against unbeaten league leaders Ulinzi Starlets at Sudi Stadium as Queens search for their first home victory. Despite Ulinzi’s perfect start, Mabonga is urging his squad to maintain belief.
“We respect Ulinzi because they are a good team and their position at the top of the table speaks for itself. However, we are playing at home and must believe in ourselves,” he stated. “We will prepare well, identify their strengths and weaknesses and go into the match determined to get a positive result.”
Having guided the club to a seventh-place finish last season, Mabonga aims to leverage his familiarity with the squad to provide stability, reignite their attacking output, and build a competitive outfit capable of climbing into the top half of the table.
