NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7 – West Pokot County will face free scoring Vihiga in the quarter finals of the Talanta Hela Under-19 national finals at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, looking to cause an upset and book a slot in the final.
Head coach Yona Wasike says they are not afraid of any opponent and despite facing a side that has scored 19 goals in three matches, he says they are ready to prove their worth.
“We have to be a bit more clinical because we are facing off with a tougher opponent. For us as a team we have planned well and we have our focus sharp. We don’t fear anyone,” the tactician said.
“People have always referred to us as cattle rustlers, but now we are football rustlers. We have brought some of the best natural talent from deep in our local villages and we are ready to showcase them to the whole country,” further notes the tactician.
West Pokot bounced back from their opening day 2-0 defeat to Mombasa to win two matches on the trot, beating Wajir 6-1 and then Kirinyaga 4-1 in their final match to book a place in the quarters as second place finishers in their pool.
Coach Wasike says they have improved in each game.
“When we started, we had lots of fatigue because of the long travel. Also, there was some sort of stage fright and inferiority complex from the box because for most of them, it was their first time ever to be in Nairobi and to play at a big stadium such as this. It tended to weigh them down,” said the tactician.
He adds; “But steadily, we have improved and done better and we have had our confidence back. Now we are ready to give our best.”
Meanwhile, the coach has noted that the Talanta Hela U19 tournament has given local kids from the villages an opportunity to showcase their talent, which would have otherwise not been seen.
West Pokot have previously won national tournaments such as the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom and they hope they can clinch another major crown this time once again.
“We want to thank the CS (Ababu Namwamba) for this initiative. Counties like West Pokot where we have so many problems deserve something like this. Football has brought a lot of peace and tranquility there and through Talanta Hela, we have so many untapped talent that can be seen,” he says.
The coach adds; “It is also good exposure for these kids because most of them are coming to Nairobi for the first time in their lives. They look at tall buildings with amazement and the stadium as well and it opens their eyes so much.”
Wasike says his biggest ambition will be to see most of his players scouted from the tournaments and move on to play in the top leagues in the country and by extension the national teams.
“My dream is one day to see one of these boys play for Harambee Stars,” Wasike says, with an eye of hope and determination.
