Webuye West Combine FC players in training ahead of their debut in FKF CUP. [Courtesy]
Newly formed Webuye West Combine FC is gearing up for their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) MozzartBet Cup debut which they hope to be a force to reckon with this season.
The outfit, under tutelage of veteran coach and national U-20 tactician Hamisi Mohamed, is composed of 30 lethal players picked from various clubs within Webuye Constituency following a two-day rigorous trial that was held at the Ilala Grounds.
Besides the trials, Mohamed also ran a coaching clinic for tacticians in the area, with great support from JW Foundation. The clinic equipped the aspiring and seasoned coaches with necessary skills needed in the identification, development and nurturing of talents.
"This is a sign of great things ahead, we will up our training before we embark on the FKF Cup where our mission is to lift the trophy," Mohamed told Standard Sports.
In their first outing after the successful trials, the high-spirited squad went 1-0 down against FKF Division One League side Compel FC at the Ilala Grounds.
Little known Compel had a fairy run in the FKF Cup last season, punching tickets to the quarters after overcoming Kajiado FC and Mara Sugar FC before their fairytale run was halted by AFC Leopards SC.
" From this match, I feel our prospects are high in the forthcoming competition. We are currently gelling and will be ready to compete against the big guns in the tournament in due course," Mohamed highlighted.
The coach's sentiments have been echoed by Joseph Lendrix Waswa, a philanthropist and an aspiring Member of Parliament in Webuye whose JW Foundation spearheaded the trials.
Waswa stated: " The trials were meticulous, transparent and fair. We have identified the best of the best in the zone and soon Webuye will be a great force in the sport of football."
Last month, another outfit from Webuye, the JW Foundation FC had a week's outing in Nairobi where they played FKF Premier League and National Super League sides where some of their players were also scouted by the clubs.
"We are trying to foster grassroots football development, providing young players with a platform to showcase their skills and advance their careers.
"We believe the FKF Cup will expose our players to competitive football and potential career growth opportunities," underlined Waswa, who is not only advocating for unity of Webuye leaders but also urging them to invest in people and promote community development projects.
About 64 teams are set to battle for glory in the FKF Cup, Kenya's most prestigious knockout football tournament.
Draw for the tournament will be held on Monday with the first round of matches kicking off in March. The tournament eventual winners will represent Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup.