Kenya Police Bullets FC have made a decisive move to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers by releasing seven players, including key national team stars. The FKF Women’s Premier League (WPL) champions announced the departures as part of a major reshuffle aimed at boosting their chances of finally securing a continental ticket.
The club confirmed the exits through an official statement on their Facebook page, expressing gratitude to the outgoing players for their service and wishing them success in their next chapters. “We say goodbye to seven players as they part ways with the club. Thank you for your service, dedication, and memories shared. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter,” the club posted.
Big Names Head the Exit List
Topping the list of departures is Kenya U-20 captain Jane Hato, who leaves the club after securing a scholarship to study in the United States. Hato, who also featured in the 2023 Homeless World Cup, will pursue a degree in sports management, marking a huge personal milestone as she combines education and football development overseas.
Also departing is Harambee Starlets striker Mercy Njeri, one of the standout performers in Bullets’ historic title-winning campaign. Njeri played a pivotal role last season, famously scoring the opening goal in the decisive 3-0 victory over Bunyore Starlets on June 26 that sealed Bullets’ first-ever FKF Women’s Premier League crown.
Other notable exits include former Ulinzi Starlets forward Lindah Kihara, ex-Moving The Goal Post United midfielder Mercy Masika, former Nation FC playmaker Yasmin Khalid, as well as Lavender Okeyo and Stellah Oduor, who complete the list of released players.
Focus Shifts to CAF Women’s Champions League
The sweeping changes come as Kenya Police Bullets intensify preparations for their second attempt at qualifying for the CAF Women’s Champions League through the CECAFA regional qualifiers. The tournament will be staged in Tanzania later this year, and the Kenyan champions are determined to improve on last year’s near miss.
In 2024, Bullets came agonisingly close to making history but fell short after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ethiopian champions Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the final. The heartbreaking loss denied them a maiden appearance at Africa’s premier women’s club competition.
Club Update
We say goodbye to six players as they part ways with the club.
Thank you for your service, dedication, and memories shared.
Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. @betikaKe#BetikaNaCommunity#policingthroughsports #tuchezetujuane pic.twitter.com/8X9FSFVMyS— KENYA POLICE BULLETS FC (@policebullets) July 24, 2025
With the recent player exits, Bullets’ technical bench is expected to embark on a recruitment drive to bring in fresh talent capable of competing at the highest level. The goal is to build a squad that can emulate Vihiga Queens, the only Kenyan side to have successfully qualified for the CAF Women’s Champions League, achieving the feat in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2021.
A Statement of Intent
Club officials have made it clear that the reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to assemble a formidable team capable of competing against Africa’s finest. By making tough decisions now, the champions hope to create space for new signings who can add depth, experience, and firepower to the squad.
The move has been described by fans as a “bold but necessary step” to ensure the team does not fall short again in their continental bid. With the CECAFA qualifiers just weeks away, all eyes will be on how Bullets rebuild and reinforce their squad for the challenge ahead.
The team’s ambition is clear—secure qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League and put Kenya back on the continental map. Their journey this year will be closely watched, as they look to finally break the barrier and join Africa’s elite women’s football clubs.
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