Kayole Starlets coach Adhimabo rallies her charges after morale-boosting win over Gideon

Kayole Starlets head coach Mary Adhiambo want her charges to give their all after the team registered their first-ever victory in the 2025/2026 FKF Women's Premier League, edging Gideon Starlets 3–2 in a thrilling encounter at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

Speaking after the match, Odhiambo, visibly proud, said the win was a reflection of her players’ growing resilience and desire to compete at the top level.

“I’ve told the girls that every match in this league demands 100 percent effort,” Odhiambo said. “We started well, lost concentration midway, but the response was excellent. They showed character and determination, and I’m proud of that. This win shows that we can fight and get results.”

Odhiambo, who also serves as assistant coach for the national U20 Harambee Starlets, credited her team’s tactical improvement and growing unity as key to their performance. She particularly lauded forward Ashley Shilwatso, who struck twice, and Lindah Kihara, whose early goal set the tone.

“Ashley is a very disciplined and focused player,” the coach noted. “She’s confident in front of the goal, and that’s important for the team. Lindah’s opener gave us the rhythm we needed — the rest followed from teamwork and belief.”

For Shilwatso, who has earned a call-up to the Harambee Starlets’ squad for the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against The Gambia, the win was both personal and collective validation.

“We came in hungry for a win, especially after losing the first game, and everyone gave their best,” she said. “Scoring twice felt great, but the most important thing was getting the result. This team has spirit, and we’re only going to get stronger.”

The victory marked Kayole Starlets’ first points of the season after their 2–0 loss to defending champions Kenya Police Bullets FC in the opener. It also served as a morale boost as the team continues to adapt to life in the top tier.