Kayole Starlets opened their 2026/27 season with a 2–2 draw against Shabana Starlets in an entertaining Season Opener at Dandora Stadium. The match saw a new-look Kayole side take to the pitch, with several new faces making their competitive debuts, including KSFC Academy youngster Fridah Parloma, who made her senior team debut.
FIRST HALF
Shabana Starlets started the match brightly, putting the Kayole defense under pressure in the opening minutes. Goalkeeper Nelly Achieng was called into action early, making crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay. Kayole gradually settled into the game and began creating opportunities of their own. Magneta Ocharo came close to breaking the deadlock, but her effort was well saved by Pauline Kathuruh. The breakthrough eventually came through Magneta. Calta Nasambu picked out Magneta, who raced past her marker before lifting a composed finish over the advancing goalkeeper to give Kayole the lead.
Magneta continued to cause problems down the wing and was involved again moments later, setting up Charity Wanjala on the edge of the box. Charity’s effort was pushed onto the post by the Shabana goalkeeper. Shabana responded with increased pressure and were awarded a penalty late in the first half. The spot-kick was converted, sending the teams into the break level at 1–1.
SECOND HALF
Kayole returned from the break with renewed energy and quickly regained the initiative. Just 11 minutes after the restart, Kayole produced a well-worked team goal. Martha Nafula won possession deep in defense before finding Calta Nasambu. Calta showed great composure to evade her marker and advance before setting up Magneta Ocharo. Magneta’s effort was heading towards goal before Charity Wanjala made sure of it, guiding the ball home to put Kayole back in front and mark her competitive debut with her first goal for the club.
Shabana, however, responded again and found an equalizer after an unfortunate deflection resulted in an own goal, bringing the scores level at 2–2. Kayole continued pushing for a winner, with Naomi Masinde coming close, only for her effort to be saved by the Shabana goalkeeper. The visitors threatened in the closing stages, but Kayole’s defense remained compact and organized to see out the final minutes and secure a point on the opening day.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Kayole now shift their focus to Matchweek 2, with Trinity Starlets on Sunday. Both sides will be looking for their first three points of the season as the 2026/27 campaign continues.
MATCHWEEK 1 TAKEAWAYS
- 7 players made their competitive debuts: Martha Nafula, Ivy Onyango, Elizabeth Okello, Fridah Parloma, Rebecca Odato, Charity Wanjala and Shaneez Nyambura.
- Fridah Parloma made her senior team debut after rising through the KSFC Academy.
- Charity Wanjala marked her debut with a goal in the 56th minute.
- Magneta Ocharo scored one goal and provided an assist.
- Magneta was named the Ushindi Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
- Salome Drailer captained the side for the very first time