Nzoia FC cautioned against underrating opponents

Second-tier National Super League side, Nzoia FC’s team manager, Evans Kadenge has cautioned the team against underrating other sides in the division after opening their campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over neighbours West Kenya Sugar FC on Sunday.

The emphatic victory lifted the former titans of Kenyan club football who were known as Nzoia Sugar FC to second on the log only on alphabetical order behind Nairobi’s Kariobangi Sharks who also thumped Moyas FC by a similar margin as the second-tier competition kicked-off over the weekend.

“The game was good, we were in full control and we could have scored more goals but a 3-0 win is fantastic.

“The boys showed their ruthlessness from the start and I’m happy with how they played not just the win. However, it is our first match of the season and we have to remain focused. We shift our focus to our next match against Agro Chemicals which we know will tougher,” Kadenge told Citizen Digital.

Nzoia, who are under the stewardship of former Harambee Stars player and head coach Bernard Mwalala, hit headlines during the closed season when they decided to recruit young players from high schools and colleges.

Ismael Mugabi Said from Barding High School, Lodaket Jonathan from St. Antony’s High School and Omar Swaleh Mwinyi of Friends School Bukembe as well as strikers Sylvester Ochichi Okumu formerly of Zetech University and Benjamin Muchuma Simiyu of Strathmore University are among the crop of exciting youngsters who signed with the side.

Vincent Oyuyo Ngesa from Kayole Youth and Nelson Nyongesa Simwa from SportPesa Premier League (SPL) side, Ushuru FC were brought in for their experience in league football.

Nzoia who were formerly known as Nzoia FC are trying to return to the top flight of Kenyan football after the 2002 champions were relegated and subsequently folded when Nzoia Sugar Company withdrew their support, ending their run as one of the giants of local club football.

The side was revived last year and shifted from their home venue of Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma County to Sudi Stadium in the same region after the sugar manufacturers revived their sponsorship of the side.

Nzoia visit Agro, another side that fell from the top flight on Wednesday in Chemelil before hosting Nakumatt and Nairobi Stima hoping to continue their momentum towards challenging for automatic promotion to the SPL.

They will then play Sharks away on April 6.

Report by Titus Mumelo