Local champions Vihiga Queens eye CECAFA Club gong

Vihiga Queens ready to take on Kayole Starlets during FKF Women Premier League at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya's representatives at this year's CECAFA Club Championship in Uganda, Vihiga Queens FC departed today for the regional event.

The Vihiga county-based club which has been at a residential camp at Karasani Stadium in Nairobi is optimistic of winning the regional championship.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi on Thursday visited the club at the camp where he asked the Vihiga County government to invest more resources in sports to tap and develop talents in various sports disciplines.

Osotsi said that it is a pity that the county that enjoyed huge talents, especially in football did not have facilities such as stadiums or training grounds.

"The county has a lot of money from the exchequer meant for promoting sports and talent which I'll push to ensure it is invested in activities geared towards promoting sports and players," said Osotsi.

The Senator made the remarks when he visited Kenya's representatives in the upcoming CECAFA Club Championship.

Osotsi donated Sh150,000 to the club that won the KWPL to book a ticket for the regional championship that kicks off this weekend in Uganda.

Osotsi pointed out that the governor Dr Wilber Ottichilo should put more money in the County Sports Fund to support clubs and players of various sports disciplines featuring in different leagues in the country.

"The Sh2 million put in Sports Funds cannot satisfy the needs of all teams in the county seeking sponsorship," he added.

Senator Godfrey Osotsi with Vihiga Queens FC players when he visited the club at their residential camp at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.[Courtesy]

The Senator told the players that the regional championship has provided them an opportunity to market themselves before the eyes of international scouts.

"You are aware that most of your former colleagues have moved to clubs abroad where they are earning more money after playing their hearts out during the last CECAFA Club Championship that you won here in Nairobi. Such an opportunity has come your way and utilized it adequately," he urged the players.

Teams from Vihiga County playing in KWPL include Queens, Bunyore Starlets, and Madira Soccer Assassins FC while Vihiga United, Vihiga Bullets, and Luanda Villa FC feature in NSL.

The Senator said the county should complete the construction of Kidundu, Hamisi, and Mumboha stadiums to be utilized by the clubs and other teams.

Currently, the clubs are playing their home matches at Bukhungu Stadium and Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County.