Nzoia take aim at Ulinzi after felling Gor in GOtv Shield

National Super League (NSL) runaway leaders, Nzoia United, will seek to continue their fairytale in the FKF GOtv Shield Cup against Ulinzi Stars on Saturday with their chairman, Yaptes Mokua, stating lifting the trophy is the major target this season.

Mokua asserted eliminating KPL champions Gor Mahia 1-0 in the round of 16 has given them belief they can go all the way and qualify for the CAF Confederations Cup next season to supplement their promotion charge to the domestic top flight.

In other quarterfinal fixtures; cup holders Bandari will take on Kariobangi Sharks, KCB FC lock horns with Western Stima while reinstated Posta Rangers entertain Ushuru FC in a delayed round of 32 clash.

The winner in the latter fixture will face Agrochemicals on Wednesday.

“We are in this tournament to compete and not to participate, so we don’t fear any opponent. Eliminating Gor Mahia does not mean other teams we play next are lesser opponents, we respect Ulinzi but they should be ready for a tough clash,” Mokuah told Citizen Digital ahead of the Ulinzi clash.

According to the Chairman, last season’s exit was premature and unfair and therefore, they want to erase the bitter memory by lifting the trophy.

“So far we have experienced a good run in all competitions, and the atmosphere is promising. The good thing is that the incidences of last season where officials would be compromised by partisan federation leaders to eliminate certain clubs are gone, so players are giving their best with confidence of fair play.

“Poor officiating and a few mistakes we made cost us against Muhoroni Youth last year when we bowed out but this season, we have been positive hence the impressive performances,” added the club’s boss.

The former top flight club who won the national title twice in the early 2000s before folding and resurrecting are on a 23-match unbeaten run in the NSL, six points above second placed Nakumatt FC on 57.

According to Mokuah, professionalism has been the key to their exploits in both competitions.

“It’s simple; everyone in the team is there on merit. We have developed a culture of giving opportunities to those who deserve irrespective of their background.

“The desire to play in the topflight football is there too, it makes it more exciting to see the players we have raised from nowhere shine in these competitions at a time our sponsor Nzoia Sugar is very supportive,” he underscored.

Meanwhile, club’s head coach coach Bernard Mwalala is uncomfortable with the decision to take the match to Kisumu, instead of their usual home ground Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.

“We are the home team and we should have a say in which venue the match will be staged. Our fans would have liked to enjoy matches pairing us with the KPL giants at home,” added the former Harambee Stars striker.

He has told off any club wishing to sign their key players as they close in on promotion to the KPL.

“We have been victims of this for a long time, developing very good players only to lose them to other clubs when they have matured.

“We are however not sacred, we have rectified so many things that used to contribute to such moves especially remuneration,” the tactician added.

Besides, our scouts are doing what they know best, today people are talking about Masita Masuta who they did not know last season. Others like him are coming,” Mwalala emphasised.