Munga backs Police Bullets to impress at Champions League qualifiers

Kenya Police Bullets Nyale Munga has tipped her charges to clinch the forthcoming CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers, which will run from September 2 to 26, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex in Kenya.

The draw ceremony, held in Cairo, Egypt, featured a special appearance by Kenyan starlet and legend Esse Akida, who helped unveil the groups.

Group B will be headlined by defending champions CBE of Ethiopia, who are joined by Top Girls Academy of Burundi and Rayon Sports WFC of Rwanda.

The Ethiopians are looking to defend the crown they captured last year, cementing their reputation as the region’s most formidable women’s side.

Group C, meanwhile, is topped by JKT Queens of Tanzania, who won the league on goal difference, toppling Simba Queens. They will face Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan and JKU Princess of Zanzibar.

“We are in a very tough group, but I believe we have all that it takes to clinch the title. We missed the title last year in a whisker after falling against CBE (Ethiopia) in the finals, but this time round, we are the host, and it will be a big shame if a foreign club wins the title in our backyard. We will respect each team we meet, and no team is smaller than the other.

“For now, the girls are in camp, and they are very much ready for the tournament. We have done a few signings, which I believe will be more crucial in our quest to win the title. I’m urging our players to be determined and focused, and the management and the government will give them the support they deserve.”

Nyale, however, urged the president to extend to the girls the hand he gave to Harambee Stars players in the ongoing CHAN tournament to motivate them.

“It will also be great if the president supports the girls as he did with Harambee Stars, promising them hefty amounts of money if they win. By doing that, the girls will be more motivated and fight for the cup.

“All in all, with or without the promise, I believe the girls are ready to roar. In this level of competition, Bullets belong to all Kenyans, and I’m hoping the fans will rally behind the ladies.”

In a bid to bolster their squad, Bullets have signed six new players. The six include Uganda crested cranes skipper and midfielder Zaina Namuleme (Makerere University), defender Desire Katisi (Asubo Ladies, Uganda), midfielder Medina Abubakar Hussein (Uweza Women FC), forward Margaret Kunihira (Ceasiaa Queens TZ), center back Brenda Anne (Bandari Queens), and forward Laventine Lihemo Musindi (Naivas Queens).

Kenya Police Bullets retained their league title last season and will make their second consecutive appearance on the continental stage.

Last year, they fell agonizingly short, losing 1–0 to CBE in the CECAFA final, missing out on a historic first qualification for Kenya since Vihiga Queens’ success in 2021.