Ulinzi Starlets Coach Joseph Mwanza instructs his charges against Kayole Starlets in action during their FKF Women Premier League match at Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi on March 16, 2022. Ulinzi won 5-0. (Photo/Sportpicha)

Ulinzi Starlets tactician Joseph Wambua has blamed the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for postponing the FKF Women’s Cup final saying it will interfere with their pre-season plans.

Wambua led the soldiers to the FKF Women’s Cup final after edging out the recent crowned Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) champions Kenya Police Bullets 4-2 via post-match penalties on May 4 at the Dandora Stadium.

They thus booked a date with Kibera Soccer Ladies who in their side saw off Bernard Kitolo’s Zetech Sparks 2-1 in the other semifinal, but their Cup finale has been delayed, leaving Wambua bothered.

Wambua who resumed her duties a month ago after a long illness, said it is not making sense that they will play the final two months after semis.

“We have waited for the final for the longest time despite playing the semis in May 4th. It has impacted the players negatively because they have waited for so long and also it means the season will end in July which translates to limited timeto prepare for the next season. It’s almost two months now since we played our semis and I’m wondering why the final should be postponed for that long,” he wondered.

The final was earlier slated for June 16, but had to pushed forward to allow the national side U17 (Junior Starlets) to play their World Cup qualifier matches which they qualified by defeating Burundi in an aggregate of 5-0 in the fourth and final round.

Wambua however remained confident that they will successfully defend the FKF Cup this season, which would be their third in a row.

“We are well prepared for the final. The only major injury doubt I had was for Diana Shakava but she has since recovered well. We will give Kibera Soccer the respect they deserve considering that they managed third position in the cup last season so they will be aiming a better finish. I’m urging my players to stay focused ahead of the final and I believe having done it for the last two editions, we shall win it for the third time in a row.”

Zetech Sparks and Kenya Police Bullets will face off in the third-place play off that will curtain raise the final on July 6.