Kayole Starlets, Madira Assassins promoted to the FKF-WPL

Kayole Starlets have sealed their spot in the FKF Women's Premier League with one game left in the current National Super League (NSL) season.

After coming painfully close last season, finishing second in NSL Zone A, and suffering a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of KISPED Queens in the promotion playoffs, the team has now secured direct promotion to the Premier League by winning the NSL Zone A league.

Their place in the Premier League next season was confirmed after they won 4-0 against Sunderland Samba at their home ground, Calvary Grounds in Kayole, the win elevating their points to 47 points at the top of the league after 21 rounds, with one match to go against Barcelona, Falling Waters.

Shalin Otieno, skipper Sarah Chalovu, Melissa Vivian and Chris Kach were on the score sheet.

Bandari Queens, as per Monday, were second on the log with 41 points, the same as Mathare United Women, who are placed third.

This win is not just about promotion, it caps off an incredible season for Kayole Starlets in the FKF Women’s National Super League. They have gone unbeaten at home all season. Not a single goal was conceded on their turf at the Calvary Grounds.

Across the entire campaign, they lost just once and conceded only five goals in total. That level of consistency, grit and defensive discipline tells you everything about the character of this team.

“We are very excited after earning the promotion, and this is something we have been fighting for.

“I want to thank the players and management for their commitment towards this achievement.

“Our focus now is to finish the league with a bang by beating Falling Waters Barcelona on May 10th at Calvary Grounds.

I feel we will have to bolster our squad for next season after losing five crucial players who went back to their studies as they were university students.

As a coach, I have noted the positions which need to be worked on, and we will blend experience with young talents to ensure we do well in the Premier League next season”

Kayole has now joined Madira Soccer Assassins, who are making a comeback in the league after winning the NSL Zone B league.

In the 2023/24 season, Madira made history by becoming the first high school team to qualify and participate in the Kenya Women's Premier League.

Their stay in the league was not long-lived as they were relegated at the end of the season, mainly due to the majority of their players being students and featuring for the U20 and U17 national teams.

The Assassins’ promotion was confirmed after Vickers Queens failed to show up for their scheduled match.

As a result, the Assassins were awarded a walkover, picking up three points and two goals, which sealed their qualification for next season’s Premier League.

Meanwhile, the race for the FKF Women’s National Super League Zone B playoffs spot is heating up.

Kakamega Starlets currently sit in second place with 40 points, while Gedeon Starlets are just behind in third with 38 points.

The two teams are now set to battle it out for the final spot in the playoffs to play Bandari Queens from Zone A, promising an exciting finish to the season.