Kenya Police acquire Thika Queens in bid to comply with CAF’s directive on women’s team

©Kenya Police FC

FOOTBALL Kenya Police acquire Thika Queens in bid to comply with CAF’s directive on women’s team

Joel Omotto 13:54 - 23.06.2023

The law enforcers have added the three-time WPL champions to their fold as they plan ahead with a view to qualifying for continental football next season

Kenya Police FC have moved with speed to comply with Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) directive on having a women’s team after acquiring Women’s Premier League side Thika Queens.

CAF gave all teams up to the end of this season to ensure they have a women’s team or risk being locked out of their competitions from next season, with clubs who hope to feature in the Champions League and Confederation Cup in 2023-24, given up to June 30 to comply.

According to CAF’s directive, the clubs have to produce a letter from their member association confirming the existence of a women’s first team and that the team is registered in official competitions played at national, regional or local level, and recognised by the federation, or submit a written agreement with another entity who operates a women’s team.

While Police will not be featuring in continental matches next season, they seem to be planning ahead following the acquisition of three-time Women’s Premier League champions Thika Queens who finished fifth in the just-concluded season.

“This groundbreaking partnership marks an exciting chapter in the history of both clubs. Kenya Police FC, a renowned institution with a rich footballing heritage, and Thika Queens FC, a highly-respected women’s football club, have come together to foster unity, inclusivity, and enhanced opportunities for players, staff, and fans alike,” Police said via a statement confirming the partnership.

“The primary objective of this partnership is to empower and promote women football in Kenya. Thika Queens FC has been at the forefront of women football, consistently delivering outstanding performances and nurturing young talent some who have played for both junior and senior national women’s teams.

“Additionally, some players like Mwanahalima Adam and Essey Akida have gone on to play professional football outside the country. With the support and backing of Kenya Police FC management and Board of Trustees, we believe Thika Queens FC will gain further momentum, expanding its reach and impact on the national and international stage.”

Police have been the biggest spenders in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League with their outlay yielding positive results as they are third on the table with 63 points, four behind leaders Gor Mahia, with one match remaining.

The law enforcers are likely to be title challengers next season when they could seal a place in continental football, either through winning the league or the FKF Cup.

Gor Mahia, Tusker FC and Kakamega Homeboyz are the teams with a chance of representing Kenya in continental competitions next season with K’Ogalo and the brewers separated by just one point heading into Sunday’s final round of matches.

The league winners will play in the Champions League while the winners of the FKF Cup, whose final will be contested between Tusker and Homeboyz, will feature next season’s Confederation Cup.

Neither of the three teams have revealed their plans for a women’s team although Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has laid claim to Kakamega Starlets who were recently promoted to the top tier.

AFC Leopards are also in talks with former champions Makolanders FC over the possibility of roping them in as their women’s side.