Obunga and Ebwali Secondary have thrown the gauntlet ahead of the Chapa Dimba national finals in Kisumu on Thursday.
Obunga team manager John Okello and Ebwali’s Francis Muhambe has vowed to lift the trophy.
Obunga open their campaign against Lysa FC at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, while Ebwali face Chuka University’s Scorpions.
At Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Bandari Youth play Wajir All Stars as PASC Langa battle Dandora Young Kings.
Muhambe expects a tough test from the Scorpions.
“They are a university team and more experienced than my high school boys. However, we are not afraid of them at all,” said Muhambe.
“Our target is to win our first game to give ourselves some momentum. My boys have played together since they were in form one, which is a big plus. This trophy is going to Western region.”
Muhambe also expects PASC Langa and Dandora Young Kings to give his side a run for their money.
Obunga have been boosted by the return of Austin Odongo and Derrick Oketch from Spain.
They were part of the Talanta Hela under-19 team which played at the Costa Daurada Cup in Barcelona, Spain.
Odongo was the tournament’s top scorer and Muhambe has backed him to lead his team to victory in Kisumu.
Okello also harbours huge ambitions and the pressure is mounting. “Being the home team, we are under pressure to lift the trophy. We have had a good preparation. We played against FKF Premier League and National Super League teams ahead of the tournament. I believe the boys are ready for the challenge ahead.”
The TM said Bandari Youth and Dandora Young Kings could cause them problems.
“From our analysis, they are good teams which we should be wary of,” he noted.
Evans Oketch aka Uche will be in charge of the team, taking over from Amos Ochieng’.
“Uche has been with the team and we believe he is more experienced to lead them at this tournament,” said Okello.
