Teams ready for FKF Cup round of 64 showdown
The Eastleigh Voice team captured reactions from participants ahead of their clashes. Donholm Seniors' coach Bernard Ndungu expressed his determination to win against Karatina Homeboyz, while Mas FC coach Peter Maweu, set to face Far East United, emphasised his ambition to advance.
Football is more than just a game; it is a passion that brings communities together and fuels rivalries. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup tournament promises excitement, with the Round of 64 fixtures set for February 22 and 23 following the draw on February 17.
The Eastleigh Voice team captured reactions from participants ahead of their clashes. Donholm Seniors' coach Bernard Ndungu expressed his determination to win against Karatina Homeboyz, while Mas FC coach Peter Maweu, set to face Far East United, emphasised his ambition to advance.
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A Maroon Stars defender shared hopes ahead of their match with Githurai All Stars, and Uzalendo's team manager discussed their preparations for Denmak. FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga also shared his thoughts on the tournament's role in promoting grassroots football and nurturing local talent.
He highlighted the FKF Cup as a platform that fosters competitive spirit and offers teams an opportunity to showcase their abilities on a national stage.
Bernard Ndungu, head coach of Donholm Seniors, stated that his main reason for registering the team in this tournament was to promote growth, adding that they are here not only to enjoy the experience but, more importantly, to win matches.
"In this tournament, we are not just here to have fun but to win games," he stated.
Ndungu added that going into the draw, he was prepared for any opponent, stressing that he was not concerned about facing big teams. He expressed his satisfaction with the draw, especially since his team would not have to travel far, as they are set to play against Karatina Homeboyz.
"This is football; there is no need for fear, so I was prepared for anybody. Luckily, we have been drawn against Karatina Homeboyz, which means we will not be travelling far," he said.
Ndungu said they are aiming for a win to advance to the Round of 32. "I'm expecting to win and progress to the next round. I believe my team can reach as far as the quarter-finals because I know what they are capable of, and that would be a massive achievement for us."
Mas FC, a team competing in the regional league, is eager to make a statement in the FKF Cup, starting with their Round of 64 clash against Far East United. The team's optimistic head coach, Peter Maweu, emphasised that this opening match is a must-win for his side.
"In this Round of 64, the upcoming game is a must-win for me because I need to progress to the next level. However, my expectations were not met today, as I had hoped to be drawn against Kenya Premier League clubs to gauge my players' abilities, knowing that we are capable of competing at that level," he stated.
Maweu sent a clear message to their opponents, Far East United, asserting that his ultimate goal is to face top-tier clubs and push his team as far as the finals.
"It will not be easy for you. I aim to meet the top teams and advance all the way to the finals. Although I know it will be a tough challenge with teams like Gor Mahia and Kenya Police in the competition, we will be there to challenge them," he declared.
Maroon Stars defender Alex Wachira stated that facing Githurai All-Stars in the Round of 64 is not a major challenge for his team. Despite it being their first time in the tournament, Wachira is confident that they will give their best effort.
"Our opponents, Githurai All Stars, are not a challenge to us, even though this is our first time in the tournament. I'm positive we will try our best, with our eyes set on the finals," he said.
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However, Wachira admitted that he did not expect Githurai All-Stars to be their opponents, expressing a preference for starting with tougher competition.
"Honestly, I did not expect Githurai All-Stars to be the team we would face in the Round of 64. I was hoping we would meet AFC Leopards because I prefer to start with the hardest challenges and work my way to the simpler tasks," he explained.
Uzalendo FC faces a tough challenge ahead as they prepare to meet the resilient Denmak, a team that was one of the standout performers last season. Denmak stunned FKF Premier League side Gor Mahia with an unexpected first-round upset.
However, Uzalendo FC's team manager, Nicholas Chalo, remained unfazed by this, stating that his main concern is not facing teams like Denmak, but rather the big clubs such as AFC Leopards.
"I did not have any expectations because the draw can produce any outcome, and you never know. My only worry was meeting big clubs like AFC Leopards because they play well and are good at short passing," he explained.
FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga lauded the tournament for its role in elevating grassroots teams and nurturing local talent, particularly praising the two derby matchups that emerged—the Murang'a Derby and the Coastal Derby.
"The derbies are important because they contribute to the growth of football in the counties, so it is a significant achievement for the respective teams," he said.
Mariga further highlighted the benefits of the tournament for grassroots teams, noting that it provides them with an invaluable opportunity to face top-tier clubs.
"This tournament is a huge advantage for many grassroots teams as it allows them to play against bigger clubs, helping them learn from their mistakes and identify areas to improve," he concluded.
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