Ulinzi Starlets Eye Fourth Straight FKF Women’s Cup as 2025 Edition Kicks Off

There’s a buzz in the air as the FKF Women’s Cup returns this weekend, bigger and better than ever. A record 32 teams are set to battle it out for glory in the 2025 edition of the tournament, which has received a massive boost thanks to a new sponsorship deal that promises real rewards for players and coaches.

For the first time, the tournament has attracted an official sponsor in betPawa, which has injected Ksh 4.3 million into the competition through its “Locker Room Bonus” initiative. This means that every time a team wins a match, each of the 23 players and three technical staff members will pocket Ksh 3,300—an incredible step forward for women’s football in Kenya.

But while the tournament is growing in scope and visibility, some things remain familiar—like the fierce determination of Ulinzi Starlets. The reigning champions are gunning for a fourth consecutive title, and head coach Collins Ochieng believes his team is up for the challenge.

Our league title hopes may have faded this season, but our hunger for the FKF Women’s Cup is stronger than ever,” said Ochieng. “TUK Ravens is a side we respect, and we know they’ll come at us hard—but we’re prepared to give it everything.

Ulinzi Starlets will be kicking off their campaign against the Ravens, while other intriguing fixtures include Gaspo Women versus Kibera Soccer Women, Thika Starlets clashing with Police Bullets, and Vihiga Queens facing Gene Queens.

Aside from silverware and pride, there’s now a tangible financial motivation for teams to go all the way. Each team that advances to the next round will receive Ksh 85,000, a significant incentive, especially for clubs from lower divisions.

The FKF Women’s Cup continues to be a key part of Kenya’s football calendar, providing a platform for talent discovery and career growth. Ochieng sees it as more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity.

There are areas in our squad that we need to strengthen, and tournaments like this are perfect for spotting talent. Players from lower-tier teams often bring their A-game, knowing it’s a chance to be noticed,” he said.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed hailed the partnership with betPawa as a major turning point, saying, “This initiative gives our players a real boost—both financially and in terms of motivation. It shows we’re serious about raising the standards of the women’s game.”

Raquel Puig, Head of CSR and Sports Development at betPawa, echoed the sentiment:

It’s more than just sponsorship. It’s about investing in women’s football, giving players the spotlight they deserve, and helping the sport grow.

As the opening matches approach, excitement is building not just among the teams, but among fans eager to see new stars emerge and old rivalries reignited. With history on the line and fresh energy injected into the game, the 2025 FKF Women’s Cup promises to be one to remember.