Police Bullets plot new keeper signing ahead of Cecafa Champs

Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) champions Kenya Police have moved to bolster their roaster as they prepare to make their bow in the Cecafa Club Championship set for next month in Ethiopia.

Head coach Beldine Odemba is currently in the market for an experienced goalkeeper to bolster her club’s defence, and she has her eyes firmly on Zetech Sparks’ Samantha Akinyi.

Five new faces have so far landed in the squad including striker Emily Moranga and defender Norah Ann-both from Vihiga Queens, midfielders Jane Hato of Mathare United Women, former FK Apolonia Fier (Albania) midfielder Lourna Nyarinda Nyabuto and former Gokulam Kerala (India)forward Bertha Omita.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Police Bullets Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Oguso said they are in talks with Akinyi and that they expect to seal the deal soon.

“I can confirm that through our head coach Odemba we are in talks with Zetech Sparks to see if they will let their experienced keeper Samantha (Akinyi) join our camp.

“She is a very talented keeper and her vast experience will help our side a lot ahead of Cecafa tourney. Apart from her, there are also new recruits and we are looking forward to add more in readiness of the forthcoming tournament.”

“We want to win Cecafa and qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League and that means we must have a squad depth,” he added.

Should Akinyi’s deal sails through, she will jostle for the custodian first position against current first choice keeper Mishi Mbaru, Diana Tembesi and Akinyi Belinda.

Akinyi joined Zetech Sparks through Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) partnership with Zetech University and talent recruitment agency Brighter Monday Kenya and in 2022, she graduated in Counselling and Psychology.

Oguso, who also doubles up as Kenya Police (men) CEO, also confirmed that they are finalising their plans of having the team camp outside the country before taking part in the regional showpiece slated for August 17.

“As the team management, we are in the final stages of identifying the country where our team will camp for some time before taking part in Cecafa and Uganda and Tanzania is our top target.

“We believe our girls need proper preparations around East Africa regional and by doing so we shall have made a big stride.”

Police were crowned KWPL champions for the first time after topping the women’s league on 49 points, five above former champions Vihiga Queens and Ulinzi Starlets, who placed second and third respectively.

The law enforcers finished third in FKF Women’s Cup which was won by Ulinzi Starlets who defeated Kibera Soccer Ladies 2-1 in the final.