•Bonyi lauded the squad for adhering to their game plan, maintaining composure and minimising errors in Butula's territory.
•Heavy rains have been pounding Machakos since yesternight making the pitches muddy.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
Kisii Boys’ High School 15s technical director Nobert Bonyi has exuded confidence in clinching this year’s title after playing out to a barren draw against defending champions Butula.
The duo is placed in Pool ‘A’ alongside last year's runners-up All Saints Embu and St. Patrick’s Iten.
Bonyi, brimming with confidence, hailed the draw as a significant achievement, affirming, “Drawing against the defending champions is a huge plus for us. I see our foot in the semifinals and finals as well. The trophy is coming back to Kisii.”
“The game was tough. We were, however, expecting it as these are the defending champions. We were ready for them,” Bonyi quipped.
Bonyi lauded the squad for adhering to their game plan, maintaining composure and minimising errors in Butula's territory.
“The boys played according to the script. Heads high and don’t concede unnecessary penalties in the red zone. All attempts were on Butula’s half. We were well prepared for the match,” he added.
However, Bonyi noted that the muddy pitch posed challenges, hindering the execution of strategic plays. Heavy rains have been pounding Machakos since yesternight making the pitches muddy.
“The pitch was muddy so we could not execute some of the set pieces we had. The pitch has derailed what we had trained for and worked for. The pitch has let us down,” Bonyi noted.
Meanwhile, Butula's tactician, Libondo Shimenga, acknowledged Kisii's resilience but remained steadfast in his belief of eventual victory.
“A draw also plays in our favour. Kisii is a tough opponent. I am confident if we meet again with them, we are assured of a win,” Shimenga stated
The seasoned coach further stated that the draw was only a fluke they would soon overcome in the upcoming games.
“The next two games we are winning. We already have two points. We are under no pressure whatsoever. Our title will still be intact at the end of the competition,” Shimenga noted.
He emphasised the need for improvement, particularly in capitalising on opportunities and reducing handling errors. “My forwards were not able to adapt to the pitch. They were slipping a lot going forward,” he added.
Shimenga was also quick to point out the areas they needed to refine before their next match.
“We know where we made mistakes. Handling errors and not taking advantage of the chances we had. Before tomorrow’s game we will work on that,” Shimenga stated.
With both teams securing two points, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Butula faces St. Patrick’s next while Kisii Boys' High aims to upset All Saints.