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Ulinzi Starlets head coach Joseph Mwanza has tragically passed away leaving a lasting impact on Kenyan women’s football.
Ulinzi Starlets head coach Joseph Mwanza has tragically passed away leaving the football community in shock.
The news was confirmed on Friday morning with tributes pouring in from across the Kenyan football scene to honor the young tactician whose influence on women’s football in Kenya was profound.
Mwanza, who had been at the helm of the Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League side since 2018, is remembered not only for his tactical brilliance but also for his unyielding commitment to the growth of women’s football.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ulinzi Starlets Head Coach, Joseph Wambua Mwanza. His dedication and passion for women's football in Kenya will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the entire Ulinzi Starlets team and the Ulinzi Football fraternity during this difficult time,” read a heartfelt statement from the Football Kenya Federation.
Mwanza’s coaching journey began in 2016, just a year after his promising playing career was cut short due to a devastating injury.
Sustaining a double fracture in his right knee, Mwanza was forced to hang up his boots. However, his love for the game did not fade. Instead, it sparked a passion for coaching that saw him rise rapidly in Kenyan football circles.
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Starting out with Kahawa Queens, Mwanza quickly proved his mettle. His breakthrough came when he took charge of Kahawa United men's team in 2017, guiding them from the depths of 10th place in the County League to an impressive unbeaten run of 23 matches.
His tactical acumen led the team to promotion to the Regional League, outshining more established sides like Tusker Youth and Sofapaka Youth.
This success dis not go unnoticed, and in 2018, the Kenya Defence Forces appointed him head coach of Ulinzi Starlets. From the start, Mwanza worked tirelessly to build a team that played with flair, courage, and discipline. His philosophy was simple yet effective: the best way to defend is to attack.
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15:30 - 23.04.2023
FOOTBALL Ulinzi Starlets coach Joseph Mwanzia salutes troops after march past Thika Queens
The gaffer attributed the success to team spirit and dedication.
Under his guidance, Ulinzi Starlets became a force to be reckoned with. Their attacking trio of Mukhwana, Siliya Rasoa, and Atieno lit up the league, collectively scoring 21 goals last season — a tally only bettered by Vihiga Queens, whose attackers netted 28. His attacking style and ability to develop players ensured that Ulinzi Starlets were always contenders.
In the 2020/2021 season, Ulinzi Starlets defied the odds to finish second in Premier League Zone A, earning a play-off spot.
Though their run was halted by Nakuru West Queens, Mwanza's tactical genius shone through, and it was only a matter of time before Ulinzi made history.
15:30 - 23.04.2023
FOOTBALL Ulinzi Starlets coach Joseph Mwanzia salutes troops after march past Thika Queens
The gaffer attributed the success to team spirit and dedication.
They achieved just that by winning the inaugural Football Kenya Federation FKF Women’s Cup, a victory that remains one of Mwanza’s crowning achievements.
Under his stewardship Ulinzi Starlets lifted their third Women’s Cup last season cementing their place among the top women’s teams in the country.
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