- Kenya Police Bullets kicked off their 2025/26 FKF Women’s Premier League campaign on the right foot with a 2-1 victory over Kayole Starlets.
- The match was held at Utalii Grounds on Saturday, October 4.
- Puren Alukwe netted the winning goal for the defending champions after the hosts conceded an own goal, with Euphrasia Shilwatso scoring a consolation for Kayole.
Kenya Police Bullets began their FKF Women’s Premier League title defense with a hard-fought 1-2 away victory over newly promoted Kayole Starlets on Saturday afternoon at the Utalii Grounds.
The reigning champions started on the front foot and broke the deadlock after just eight minutes. Emily Moranga breezed past Mary Wali on the flank and delivered a powerful cross into the box, which Kayole Starlets’ left-back Lavyne Achola unfortunately turned into her own net.
The visitors’ relentless pressure continued, and they doubled their advantage five minutes later. Puren Alukwe drove into the area and unleashed a fierce strike that Kayole goalkeeper Pauline Kathuruh could only parry into her own goal.
The match pressure prompted an immediate response from Kayole Starlets coach Adhiambo, who introduced off-season signing Euphrasier Shilwatso from Bandari Queens in the 18th minute.
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However, the substitution failed to alter the course of the first half, with Bullets maintaining their two-goal cushion.
The second half began with a tactical change from the law enforcers, as Lorna Nyarinda replaced Mary Nthambi.
This adjustment saw Nyarinda slot into midfield, pushing Vidah Okeyo back to right-back. Police Bullets made further changes on the hour mark, with Zainah Muleme and Lucy Kwekwe entering the fray.
Kayole showed a hope of threat in the 64th minute when Nuru Hadima rattled the post with a long-range effort. Police remained dangerous, and Margaret Kunihira’s high press forced an error from centre-back Foscah Nashivanda, but Kathuruh was quick to smother the chance.
As the half wore on, Kayole made a double substitution in a bid to find a way back into the game. Police also introduced returning-from-injury Rabecca Okwaro and veteran midfielder Lydia Waganda.
The defending champions came close to a third goal in the 84th minute. A well-worked move saw Lucy Kwekwe’s cutback teed up for Lorna Nyarinda, whose low drive cannoned off the woodwork.
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Minutes later, Nyarinda’s cross evaded the goalkeeper, but Foscah Nashivanda made a crucial goal-line clearance.
Kayole Starlets finally secured a consolation goal in the 90th minute. Super-sub Euphrasier Shilwatso netted a sublime free-kick that rattled the underside of the crossbar before rippling the net, setting up a tense finale, but the match ended 1-2.
Kenya Police Bullets coach Bujego delighted with debut victory
The match also marked a successful debut for Bullets’ new coach, David Bujego, who recently joined from rivals Kibera Soccer Women some days ago.
“I have only trained with the girls for four days and as you can see we are slowly implementing our system,” Bujego remarked. “It will be fully functional in the matches after the international assignment.”
For Kayole Starlets coach Mary Adhiambo, the match was a learning experience.
“Playing against the defending champions is never easy, especially when you have been promoted from the second tier,” she said. “We now go back and work on our weaknesses as we prepare for game week two.”
The victory gives the back-to-back champions a strong start before the league pauses for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
Kenya Police Bullets vs Kayole Starlets Starting Lineups
Kayole Starlets: Pauline Kathuruh, Mary Wali, Lavine Achola, Foscah Nashivanda, Hellen Ochieng’ (Captain), Eunice Nabwoba, Nuru Hadima, Drailer Salome, Shalin Otieno, Faith Naliaka, Linda Kihara.
Police Bullets: Annedy Kundu, Mary Nthambi, Leah Andiema, Anne Norah, Desire Natooro, Vidah Okeyo, Medina Abubakar, Diana Wacera, Puren Alukwe, Emily Moranga, Margaret Kunihira.
FKF Women’s Premier League 2025/26 collated results on Saturday, October 4
