Starlets keeper Wilfrida joins Simba Queens, SD Makanya welcomes move

The former Vihiga Queens shot-stopper was unveiled by the Msimbazi based side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

This was after successful negotiations with her immediate former side Gets Program (Tanzania), part of the Fountain Gates Princess club where she signed a two-year contract.

According to Makanya, they decided to sign Cedar to replace Kenyan keeper Caroylne Rufa who has been ruled out for the rest of the season, owing to injury.

“She is a great goalkeeper whom we have been following closely since her arrival at Fountain Gate Princess in the Tanzania Premier League. I’m sure she will fit well in Rufa’s shoes. Rufa was our first choice keeper and her injury is a big blow to us, but having a new recruit means we have the chance to fight for the title,” noted Makanya.

“Cedar is a disciplined player with great work ethic from her previous record at Fountain Gate, and that’s what we were looking for beyond the talent,” he added.

Cedar now becomes the seventh Kenyan player to recently join the four-time champions after Rufa, Jentrix Shikangwa, Corazone Aquino, Eiabeth Wambui, Ruth Ingotsi and Wincate Kaari.

However, she has a big task to fight for the starting role, with second choice keeper Janeth Shija and third choice keeper Gero also working to fill Rufa’s gap.

Simba completed the first round of the league on high note as they thrashed Bunda 2-0 on December 17, before humbling Alliance 5-0 in Mwanza on the eve of the New Year 2025.

“We are doing well and I’m sure we will win the league. The two wins we picked in the end of year 2024 have put us on top of the table - two points ahead of second placed JKT.

“All we need is to keep the spirit and focus, and we will achieve the target of winning the league title again,” concluded Makanya.