The Chepkoilel Derby in the FKF Women‘s Cup at the University of Eldoret

The University of Eldoret Queens well known as UOE Queens will be hosting their neighbours Eldoret Falcons in the Football Kenya Federation Women ‘s Cup round of 32 at the University of Eldoret grounds on 18^th Saturday, 2023 in a much anticipated “Chepkoilel derby” clash.

Photo: Left, Mary Kimulu of UOE Queens dribbles past defenders in the past encounter (Facebook) while on the right, Tabitha Khakasa of Eldoret Falcons in action during the league match. (Facebook)

UOE Queens are the immediate neighbours to Eldoret Falcons and they are just separated by Eldoret-Ziwa road. The distance is less than 100 meters from the University of Eldoret playground to the Moi Marula primary school ground which is the home ground for Eldoret Falcons. Both teams are located in Chepkoilel village, Kimumu location, Moiben constituency.

Eldoret Falcons were once sponsored by University of Eldoret during its early stages in the women premier league and was even coached by their current patron/CEO Joshua Ariko. Josphat Pilishi has had stints as a coach for the Eldoret Falcons and has now shifted allegiance to become the UOE Queens head coach. On the other hand Michael Wachira currently the head coach of Eldoret Falcons has also been seen helping UOE Queens in some training sessions in a number of times before joining Eldoret Falcons this season.

Photo: Edoret Falcons take a photo before a match against Bomet starlets at the Bomet stadium (Facebook)

Currently, Eldoret Falcons has more than 6 players all of whom were developed by the UOE Queens squad and they shifted to their neighbours to gain the experience of the higher and competitive league. Some of the players are well known to each other as they even share lecture halls at the University of Eldoret.

The UOE Queens who are currently playing the Regional League come to this match as underdogs as they have inexperienced players in a competitive match but a determined squad which would wish to prove a point during the encounter. They have lost a number of players to Gene Queens and Eldoret Falcons who are all playing the National Women Division 1 league.

Photo: UOE Queens celebrating a goal at the coner flag against Moi University during the KUSF competition (Facebook)

Eldoret Falcons have acquired the services of a number of experienced players who have helped them in the ongoing Division1 league and are doing well going by the results they have shown. They are hopeful to join the Women Premier League next season and are currently 4^th in the league standings with 23 points and are only separated by superior goal difference from the 2^nd and 3^rd placed teams on the log. This is the first time the two sides are meeting in a competitive match and it will be a mouthwatering encounter to watch.

You can follow other Football Kenya Federation Women ‘s Cup matches at different venues as indicated below to support the ladies. As always, “Let the Girls Play”, Joshua Ariko.