Kuta collection FC striker Bryan Tobiko (L) battles for the ball with Shabana midfielder Bronson Nsubuga/ HANDOUTKuta Collection FC founder Augustine Kuta has hailed his side’s spirited FKF Cup run, where they bowed out in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 loss to SportPesa League outfit Shabana FC at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea.
Shabana’s influential midfielder Brian Michira proved the difference between the two sides after striking in the 25th minute of a cagey encounter that was watched by Harambee Stars’ Lebanon-based duo of Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma.
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The pair, who support and occasionally train with Kuta Collection, a side built around promising unattached talent, looked on as the underdogs pushed their top-flight opponents all the way.
Kuta struck a proud and measured tone after the final whistle, sentiments echoed by head coach Wilson Oburu, who believes his charges exceeded expectations on the big stage.
“I’m happy with how the players applied themselves — with courage, discipline, and belief, just as we had planned,” Oburu, a former Harambee Stars goalkeeper, said.
“It’s disappointing to lose to a goal that, in my view, looked offside, but overall it has been a tremendous journey for us.”
Kuta Collection FC journey in the FKF Cup saw them secure a 6-5 victory over Al-Azizia in post match penalties after the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time in the round of 64 match.
In the round of 32, they dug deep to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over KSG Ogopa.
Shabana stand-in coach Mark Ongwae admitted his side were made to work for their passage into the last eight.
“It’s never easy facing non-league opposition,” Ongwae noted.
“We prepared seriously for this match and we’re pleased to have found the decisive goal. At this stage, the priority is always progression, and we’ve achieved that.”
Shabana defender Wycliffe Omondi was equally generous in his assessment, tipping his hat to a Kuta Collection side that refused to be overawed.
“It was a proper test,” he said. “Many of their players have Premier League experience, and they showed real quality. They were excellent opponents.”
Despite their exit, Kuta Collection’s campaign may yet bear fruit beyond the cup.
Several of their standout performers are now attracting interest abroad, with trials lined up in Europe and Japan, while a number of Kenyan Premier League clubs are also circling after a series of eye-catching displays in the competition.
