Ulinzi Starlets shattered the aura of invincibility surrounding Police Bullets on Sunday, handing the league leaders their first defeat of the season with a solitary goal that has reignited the conversation at the top of the table.

This was not merely three points; it was a statement of intent from the military side. Coming off a demoralizing loss in their previous outing, Coach Collins Ochieng’s squad dismantled the Police attack through sheer tactical discipline, proving that the Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL) title race remains a wide-open contest.

Tactical Resilience Over Star Power

The match, often dubbed the 'Forces Derby,' lived up to its billing as a battle of attrition. Ochieng’, visibly relieved yet proud, attributed the 1-0 victory to a complete psychological reset following their recent slump. He noted that the technical bench had to work overtime to restore belief in the squad.

“I want to thank God for everything, I want to thank the team and the coaching staff. It has not been easy preparing for this game,” Ochieng’ admitted. He described the encounter as “technically balanced,” emphasizing that the difference lay in who wanted it more.

“Football is all about preparation. We prepared well for this match, we shifted our focus from the last match that we lost, and the ladies simply rose to the occasion,” he added.

A ‘Golden Generation’ Steps Up

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this victory was the personnel who delivered it. Ulinzi Starlets entered the pitch without several key starters—a scenario that often spells disaster against a high-caliber side like Police Bullets. Instead, the gap was filled by a cohort of younger players who played with a maturity beyond their years.

Ochieng’ pointed to this depth as the foundation of the club’s future, framing these emerging talents not just as stop-gap solutions, but as the heart of a long-term project.

• Unbeaten Streak Snapped: Police Bullets suffered their first loss of the 2025/2026 campaign.
• Squad Depth: Ulinzi’s victory came despite a depleted starting XI, showcasing the quality of their academy graduates.
• Mental Fortitude: The win marks a critical bounce-back for Ulinzi, preventing a mid-season slump.

As the league progresses, the integration of these young stars suggests that Ulinzi is building a sustainable model for success. For Ochieng’, the victory was a validation of his trust in the youth.

“The match was technically balanced, and I’m just grateful to God for the win,” he concluded, signaling that while the squad is young, their ambition remains veteran-grade.