Kayole Starlets wrapped up their 2025/26 FKF Women Premier League season in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over Zetech Sparks to secure a top-six finish. Coming into the encounter, both sides were battling for sixth place, with Kayole Starlets sitting sixth and Zetech Sparks seventh, separated by just three points.
FIRST HALF ANALYSIS
The match began cautiously, with both teams settling into the game and creating few clear-cut opportunities in the opening stages. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 16th minute when Nuru Hadima was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Captain Mercy Mang’uro stepped up confidently and converted the penalty, her effort striking the inside of the post before finding the back of the net to hand Kayole a deserved lead.
Zetech Sparks responded immediately in search of an equalizer and nearly found one minutes later when they rattled the crossbar. The visitors continued to threaten and came close again in the 33rd minute after their striker beat the goalkeeper and headed towards an empty net, but Fidy Njoki and Euphrasier Shilwatso combined brilliantly to clear the ball off the line.
Unfortunately, the resulting challenge saw Fidy Kimani stretchered off the pitch, with Salome Drailer coming on as her replacement. Everyone at the club wishes her a quick recovery. The final chance of the half also fell to Zetech Sparks, but their striker lost her footing after rounding the goalkeeper and failed to convert from close range.
NASAMBU MASTERCLASS
Calta Nasambu was introduced at the start of the second half in place of Valerian Nabwire, a substitution that completely changed the game. However, it was the visitors who struck first after the restart, equalizing just three minutes into the half from a corner kick.
Kayole Starlets responded brilliantly. In the 54th minute, Calta Nasambu won possession before releasing Faith Naliaka, who made an excellent run from midfield and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to restore Kayole’s lead. Just two minutes later, the roles were reversed. This time, Faith Naliaka turned provider, setting up Calta Nasambu, who produced an acrobatic strike from outside the box to extend the lead with a stunning finish.
Naomi Masinde and Esther Ngugi were introduced in the 72nd minute in place of Nuru Hadima and Magneta Ocharo to maintain the intensity and pace in attack. Nasambu then capped off her superb performance in the 89th minute, completing her brace after connecting with Salome Drailer’s cross and heading the ball over the goalkeeper into the net.
WHAT IT MEANS
The 4-1 victory over Zetech Sparks confirms Kayole Starlets’ sixth-place finish with 25 points in their first season back in the FKF Women Premier League. The team ends the campaign with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 10 defeats, an impressive return following promotion to the top tier at the beginning of the season.
WHAT’S NEXT
With the regular season now concluded, the team will take a short break before returning for Ushindi-sponsored matches as preparations begin for the 2026/27 FKF Women Premier League season.
MATCHDAY SQUAD
Starting XI: Nelly Achieng (GK), Fidy Kimani, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Foscah Kimani, Lavyne Achola, Mercy Mang’uro (C), Nuru Hadima, Eunice Nabwoba, Faith Naliaka, Magneta Ocharo, Valerian Nabwire
Subs: Pauline Kathuruh, Sonia Wambua, Drailer Salome, Esther Ngugi, Calta Nasambu, Praxidies Shivikhwa, Naomi Masinde
MATCHWEEK 22 TAKEAWAYS
- Super-sub Calta Nasambu continues her fine form, registering 3 goals and 1 assist across the last two matches off the bench
- Faith Naliaka netted her 3rd goal of the season while also recording her 3rd assist
- Captain Mercy Mang’uro led the side for a third consecutive match and marked the occasion with her 4th goal of the campaign
- Drailer Salome continued her creative impact, providing her 3rd assist of the season
- Calta Nasambu’s outstanding display earned her the Ushindi Player of the Match award
