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Starlets players Adhiambo, Shilwatso join Simba
Harambee Starlets striker Cynthia Shilwatso trains at Absa grounds in Nairobi on February 18, 2025.
Tanzania Women’s Premier League giants Simba Queens have acquired the services of Harambee Starlets midfielders Fasilah Adhiambo and Cynthia Shilwatso.
Simba team manager Selman Makanya confirmed to Nation Sport on Saturday that the two will join the team in two-year deals, with the option for an extension upon expiry.
“The signings are part of the team’s restructuring ahead of the new season, which kicks off in a month. As part of the preparations, we also parted ways with 11 players, including three Kenyans, and we wish them all the best,” said Makanya.
The 19-year-old Adhiambo joins the team from Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League (FKF-WPL) side Ulinzi Starlets, where she has played since 2023.
“This new challenge is part of growth in football. I’m excited about the deal; it’s a big achievement for me, and the financial benefits are also good,” Adhiambo, who previously played for the now-defunct Kangemi Ladies, said. The former Dagoretti Mixed Secondary School student will link up with the team on August 15 for pre-season tour.
Rania Aquina of Tunisia (left) vies for the ball against Harambee Starlets' Cynthia Shilwatso during their Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualification match at Ulinzi Sports Complex on February 21, 2025. Shilwatso has joined Simba Queens of Tanzania.
On the other hand, Shilwatso is familiar with the Tanzanian league, having played for league side Fountain Gates Princess in the 2023/24 season before her free transfer to Turkish Women’s Premier League side Beşiktaş on a one-year renewable deal last November. She previously played for FKF-WPL’s four-time champions Vihiga Queens, winning three consecutive titles (2017, 2018, and 2019), FC Kryvbas (Ukraine), and EDF Logrono B (Spain).
Simba has released 11 players, including Starlets striker Jentrix Shikangwa, defender Wincate Kaari who now returns to Simba’s rivals Yanga Princess, and goalkeeper Caroline Rufaa.
The club is also home to Starlets midfielder Corazone Aquino and defender Ruth Ingotsi and winger Elizabeth Wambui. Ingotsi is the longest-serving Kenyan players at Simba, having joined in 2022. Founded nine years ago, Simba Queens are the most successful club in the Tanzanian league. They have won four league titles, the same as current champions Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (JKT) Queens. Simba won 2022 Cecafa Women’s Champions League and pled in the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco that year, reaching the semi-finals before losing 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
Aquino was Simba’s top scorer in the tournament with five goals.
