Shimanyula slams foreign dependency as Kakamega Homeboyz clinch historic FKF Cup title

Photo Credit: Kakamega Homeboyz

FOOTBALL Shimanyula slams foreign dependency as Kakamega Homeboyz clinch historic FKF Cup title

Mark Kinyanjui 11:30 - 02.07.2023

Homeboyz enjoyed a proper run to the cup, slaying giants like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Tusker along the way.

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman, Cleophas Shimanyula, has rubbished clubs that rely on foreign coaches and players to produce results after his side won their first-ever major title, beating Tusker 1-0 in the final of the FKF Cup, which was played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday afternoon.

Homeboyz enjoyed a proper run to the cup, slaying giants like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Tusker along the way. Shimanyula stresses that he wanted to show that it is possible to do well by investing in local stakeholders.

“ We cannot underestimate AFC or Gor Mahia but I want to show every Kenyan club that we can use local players. We can also invest into local coaches. I do not want a foreign coach in charge. I want us to show we can beat these foreign coaches,” Shimanyula said.

“Gor have been coached by a foreign coach and we beat them, so did AFC. We beat a Tusker side coached by a very experienced tactician. I want to  show people that it is possible.

“Look at Moses Shummah for example. I plucked him from obscurity. He did not even play in the National Super League but after a season, he is in the national team and even scored a goal for them.

“People need to learn that we do not have to bring foreign coaches. At Homeboyz, we have a maximum of just four or five foreigners. 98 percent are local.”

Meanwhile, the chairman is pleased to have made history and stresses that this is just the beginning of something special.

“I am happier than anyone else because I dreamt of making history one day, as well as helping unknown prospects to fly the Kenyan flag high. I thank our sponsors (Mozzart Bet). This is the first time we have won the cup and also push as high up as possible,” he said.

“ We have beaten the big teams. We beat Gor Mahia home and away, beat Kariobangi Sharks 6-2, and beat AFC Leopards home and away. I thank the young boys for working hard. I thank our youthful coach who connects well with his players.

Shimanyula has also explained the reason Homeboyz upset the odds to lift the title and qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

“We have also ensured that we pay their salaries and winning bonuses on time. Our Sponsor has granted us two million bob and I have added my own one million as motivation. We also do not have political agendas upstairs like other clubs.“

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