New boys: Wazito and Vihiga set for tough KPL debut

NATIONAL SUPER LEAGUE Coach Wazito Frank Ouna instruct Wazito FC players during National Super League match against Shabana FC at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, August 22, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Vihiga United and Wazito will be playing in the Kenyan Premier League for the first time.

The two clubs qualified to the top flight after finishing first and second in the National Super League.

Little is known about the two save for their different links, Vihiga having been formed just a few years back to groom talent in the Western Kenya county while Wazito was initially a club made up of amateur footballers whose aim was to keep fit.

But the urge to become professional sides saw the then Vihiga County governor Moses Akaranga pump in funds to boost the team.

The team brought in professional coaches who had worked with KPL clubs. In came coach Edward Manoah, who had previously coached AFC Leopards. Manoah recruited several experienced players to the squad and that marked their steady rise from a county side to the NSL and now to the KPL.

The same applies for Wazito, which was formed in 2011 by the University of Nairobi alumni.

The team has established a strong networking platform between students and the working professionals. Experienced players mentor the students on career paths and life experiences.

They started by playing morning weekend friendlies until they got the urge to play competitively.

In 2012 they played in the Nairobi county league and have risen steadily each year to qualify for the top flight. “Our goal in this first season is to finish in a credible position,” said coach Frank “Furo” Ouna.

“We may not be considered contenders, but we are also not in this league to make numbers,” he said. [Odindo Ayieko]