We are always going to beat Tusker, says Shimanyula
Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas ‘Toto’ Shimanyula has made it crystal clear that the best has yet to come from his charges that have just beaten Tusker in the Mozzart Bet Cup final to clinch a slot in the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup.
“We were aiming to win the trophy at all costs. We respect Tusker but I must say that we were determined to bring them down to earth and there were no two ways about it. Mind you, this is Kakamega Homeboyz and we have no qualms saying that we shall beat Tusker whether they like it or not,” said Shimanyula prior to the match.
Homeboyz beat Tusker 1-0 to win the bragging rights of representing Kenya in the continental event which shall be conducted in CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, in February.
This will be Homeboyz’s first-ever appearance at the continental stage with bookmakers tipping the team to advance from the first round.
Experienced 34-year-old forward Kevin Amwayi who is touted as a national team Harambee Stars material, bagged the lone goal in the 73rd minute with a ferocious shot that left Tusker defenders ball-watching.
The feat came after the Homeboyz boss had rightly prophesied that Abana Abeingo, as the team is fondly referred to, beat the country’s giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards in their wake.
Before reaching the cup final.
In a tete-a-tete with People Sport, Shimanyula said: “It was not easy as some people may think. It was sheer hard work and an element of discipline by the players. We were always judged by the silverware we were chasing and yes, the results are there for all to see.”
The sole financier of the club added:
“We are rebuilding and at that this juncture, we are making do with majorly unheralded youthful players but believe me you, Kakamega Homeboyz will be the next big thing in Kenyan football. I don’t care which team we will be pitted against either locally or continentally,”’.
Homeboyz has laid the groundwork for next season in the wake of participation in the CAF Confederation Cup which comes up a hefty bill but Shimanyula has downplayed the same, saying that divine intervention shall play its part.
“We have so many friends and well-wishers and hopefully, they shall chip in with whatever support they can afford to enable us to honour all our continental matches. Homeboyz is a people’s team and especially from the community in Kakamega and despite the huge bill that comes up with participation in the CAF event, we have a government and well-wishers who I hope shall come to our support,” said Shimanyula.
Following the weekend feat, Homeboyz went home with a glittering trophy, medals and a Sh2 million prize from the tournament sponsors MozzartBet.
