It has been a bumpy road for the little known Ebwali soccer under 20 school team on their urge to qualify for nationals in the last four years. But the journey to Kisumu for national KSSSA encounter this year is now a reality. This was the third time the school team qualified for regionals and like the previous years, it looked like their journey to nationals was over after they lost to St. Mary’s kibabii of Bungoma.
The Vihiga 2019 champions qualified for regionals after smashing the minnows Bugina secondary school 4-0. They started off the regional on a high note with a win of their first match against St. Peters of mumias before losing to Bunyala of Busia and lastly edging out Maliki of Bungoma in their group matches at Bungoma High school late last month.
St. Marys kibabii edged them out during their semis but finished third after winning the play- off against Bunyala. The vihiga team luckily qualified after appeals against the saints of Mumias and Kibabii went through leading to the two teams being banned for one year.
Ebwali secondary school principal Mr. Nyanja said that the team will receive full support to represent the region favorably. “I have put in place a good plan not only for this year’s team but also for the coming four years so that we stay at the top throughout”. He said.
According to the Games master Mr. Kulali Francis, he insists the team is ready to compete against the big giants in school football without any fear. “Proper preparations both physically and technically are going on to ensure the boys are fit and ready for the national championship.” He said.
The coach, Mr. Francis Muhambe believes the team has nothing to lose now that this is their first time at that level. But cautioned their worthy opponents not to underrate his team. “Our major target is to qualify for East Africa championship”. He alluded. He comes with a lot experience after leading Olbolsat of central Kenya to East Africa last year 2018 after Green commandos edged his school out 1-0 in finals.
