Kobala Girls' Exit FEASSSA But Coach Sees Bright Future for Young Squad

This year has been a challenging journey for Kobala Girls. The Nyanza Region champions have had a tough time getting results in Group B of the regional games, a difficult group that includes soccer powerhouses like Butere Girls, Archbishop Njenga, and Amus College.

In this year's competition, Kobala Girls secured a win against Boni Concili and a draw against Fountain Gate but suffered two losses against Butere Girls and Archbishop Njenga. With these results, they currently sit in fourth place with four points, six points behind group leaders Butere Girls.

Despite having one match remaining, against the Ugandan heavyweights Amus College School, Kobala Girls coach Julias Aminga, speaking to Tisini Tech, feels that the chances are slim for his side to qualify.

“We have something that we're calling mathematical chance, and it's beneficial that the players know their chance. According to the standing, we cannot qualify.” 

He adds, “Amus College, Butere Girls, and Archbishop Njenga are ahead of us; even if we win, we will have 7 points, two points behind Archbishop Njenga, who are in second place.” 

Reflecting on their journey to East Africa, the coach feels that the Kobala Girls are improving day by day as they aim to win major trophies.

 “According to our performance this year, the gap is not too big. We have bridged the gap between the top performers in East Africa.”

Coach Aminga remains positive about the future and is keen to note that the team is not going to lose many players as the current team is young and will be available to compete next year.

 “Next year we have a very strong team, mostly made up of form twos like my captain and goalkeeper.”

Kobala Girls Team captain Sheila Awuor

This group stage exit also presents the young side with time to make adequate preparations.

“We have time; we're not going to rest and put down our tools due to elimination. The preparation starts just after the competition.” 

Kobala Girls' coach believes that school games are the right competition for nurturing talents in high school. He urged those who aim at scouting young players to use these games in identifying the raw talent across the team.

“I want to urge scouts to use school games in talent identification.”

Feature image credit: Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association