Kisumu Slum Team May miss trip to Sweden
Football
By
Philip Orwa
| May 03, 2016
A slum team from Kisumu, Manyatta United FC, may fail to honor the invitation to take part in the SODERT’A’L JE international Cup that will be staged between 11-16 June in Sweden.
Anthony Oballa, the founder of Manyatta Youth Resource Center appealed to well wishers to assist them, to enable the Kisumu based team that requires Sh1.6 million, honor the event.
He said “We were invited to take part in the tournament, but we have limitations of cash to buy air ticket for the players, we have tried everywhere but our efforts have hit a snag.”
“What we have is raw talent, many of the players that we produce have been called up in the national team and Copa Coca Cola and have done tremendously well,” he added.
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The Kisumu based side won the zonal league beating Real Kisumu FC 2-1, Powerboys FC 6-0 and Okore Youth FC 5-0 to proceed to the finals.
Ian Samuel who was also called up to the National under 20 team emerged the top scorer.
During the finals between Manyatta United and Port Florence that had also won their Zonal League in Pool B, Manyatta sailed through with a 3-1 win to earn the call up.
Port Florence were first to score in the 15th minute, before Samuel pulled a one-back, Ibrahim Ochieng later scored a double in the 30th and 56th minutes to make things 3-1.
Both Samuel (Ian) and Ibrahim (Ochieng) have previously represented Kenya during the 2013-2014 Copa Coca Cola Tournament in South Africa.
Coach Isaiah Opiyo pleaded with well wishers to help them honor the golden opportunity, so that Kenya does not miss to be represented.
“We are going to represent Kenya during the tournament, should we win, we are going to lift the name of the Country, that’s why am pleading with well wishers out there to help us achieve this dream,” said Opiyo
He added “Most of these players have never traveled outside the Country, it will be a golden opportunity for them to represent the County and am sure that they will not disappoint.”
If the team wins the international Tournament, they will proceed to represent Kenya during the Gothia Cup that is held yearly in Sweden.