Concern as missing player forces Police Bullets to depart for Ethiopia without her
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 15.08.24. | 15:34
The team also traveled without star midfielder Mercy Njeri who is reported to be on the verge of moving abroad to further her studies
Kenya Police Bullets FC have landed in Ethiopia ahead of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA zonal qualifiers, to be played in Addis Ababa from Saturday 17 August to Wednesday 4 September.
Led by Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, the Law Enforcers are seeking to become the second side, after Vihiga Queens, to secure a place in the continental showpiece by winning the regional qualifiers.
The team left the country in the early hours of Thursday morning and arrived in Ethiopia, ready to finalise their preparations for the tournament. They have been placed in Group A alongside two-time finalists CBE (Ethiopia), Yei Joint Stars FC (South Sudan), Rayon Sports Women (Rwanda), and Warriors Queens (Zanzibar).
However, as the team departed for Ethiopia, they were dealt a significant blow when new signing Jane Hato was reported missing. The Kenya U20 midfielder did not join the rest of the team at the designated pick-up point, and the team had to leave without her.
Hato, who had just joined the club from Mathare United Women’s team, was expected to be a key player in the team’s midfield.
According to reports, her phone, which has since been turned off, was last tracked to Juja. The family, with the help of the police, is currently trying to locate her.
The team also traveled without star midfielder Mercy Njeri, who is reportedly set to move abroad for further studies and will not be part of the Police lineup in the coming season.
Police begin their qualification campaign with a match against Warriors Queens on Saturday, followed by a game against Yei Joint Stars on Monday 19 August. On the Wednesday 21 August, they will face hosts CBE before ending their group games against Rayon Sports on the Sunday 25 August.
Traveling Squad
Goalkeepers: Mishi Mbaru, Diana Tembesi, Annedy Kundu
Defenders: Norah Anne, Stella Oduor, Nelly Sawe, Juliet Andibo, Elizabeth Ochaka, Leah Andiema, Quinter Owiti
Midfielders: Lydia Akoth, Lydia Waganda, Diana Wacera, Sharon Juma, Yasmin Khalid, Mary Ndhambi, Christine Nafula
Attackers: Rebecca Okwaro, Puren Anyetu, Emily Moranga, Lucy Kwekwe, Mercy Masika, Bertha Omita
