Cracking the whip: Bandari Queens drop players in disciplinary shake-up

Despite a strong showing in the Women's National Super League (WNSL), where Bandari Queens finished as runners-up behind Kayole All Stars, off-field issues have forced the club to take decisive action.

According to Bandari FC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Kibwana, indiscipline within the squad cast a shadow over what could have been a triumphant campaign.

“We’re implementing serious changes aimed at restoring discipline and professionalism,” Kibwana said.

“Even though the team performed well, there were several cases of misconduct that tainted the image of our sponsors, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). There was a witch-hunt both inside and outside the team,” he added.

In a bold move, the club has retained only 20 players from the previous season, all of whom have been handed short-term contracts lasting six months. This, Kibwana says, is a strategic decision meant to give the club flexibility while enforcing high standards of behaviour.

“We’ve renewed contracts for only those players who share our vision. These six-month deals will be reviewed during the mid-season break. If a player shows signs of indiscipline, they will be released immediately,” he added.

The club has learned from past issues on the men’s side, where longer contracts became a problem. This time, Bandari’s management is taking no chances with the women’s squad.

Meanwhile, the technical bench is also getting a facelift. Head coach Janet Amunga is set to depart at the end of the month upon the expiry of her contract. The club has confirmed that a new head coach will be unveiled soon to lead the team into the next season.

“We’re overhauling the entire technical bench. Maybe one or two officials will stay for continuity, but the focus is on improving the team’s technical capabilities and instilling a culture of discipline. Our sponsors are very concerned with the image of the club,” Kibwana emphasised.

Bandari Queens narrowly missed out on promotion to the Kenya Women's Premier League (KWPL) after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Gideon Starlets in the promotion playoffs.