Football

FKF Cup draws: Powerhouses, newcomers, and dreams of continental glory clash

FKF Cup defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz.

By Rama Mohammed | Friday, January 12, 2024

Kenya's premier football tournament, the FKF Cup, has drawn a powerhouse field of 36 clubs thirsting for glory and a shot at continental football.

Kenya's premier football tournament, the FKF Cup, has drawn a powerhouse field of 36 clubs thirsting for glory and a shot at continental football. Leading the charge are 14 FKF Premier League giants, including defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz, ready to lock horns with perennial contenders like AFC Leopards, Bandari, and Gor Mahia.

Adding spice to the mix are five hungry National Super League (NSL) sides – Kajiado, Mara Sugar, and Mombasa Stars among them – promising to bring their A-game and upset the established order. Division One underdogs like Compel Sports and Zetech Titans complete the lineup, ensuring a riveting tournament where every match holds the potential for a giant-killing.

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But the FKF Cup's magic extends beyond the professional leagues. Twelve regional teams, representing the passion and dreams of grassroots football, add a unique flavor to the competition. Al Alzizia from Meru, Bomachoge Borabu from Kisii, and Wisdom Soccer Academy from Kitale are just a few names eager to write their own Cinderella stories.

The tournament kicks off with the Round of 32 on February 24th and 25th, followed by the intensified round of 16 clashes on March 30th and 31st. Quarterfinals on April 27th and 28th will pave the way for the semi-final showdown on May 25th and 26th.

The grand finale, offering not only a shot at the prestigious CAF Confederation Cup but also a lucrative cash prize, is set for June 6th, 2024.

All eyes will be on defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz, still basking in the glory of their solitary goal victory over Tusker in last year's final. Head coach Patrick Odhiambo is optimistic about repeating the feat, this time around with an eye on continental success.

"We didn't do well in our first CAF Confederation Cup attempt," he admits. "This time, our plan is to defend the FKF Cup and do better continentally. We picked vital lessons from our first try, and we can only get better."

Realistically, the FKF Cup could be the only path to continental football for Homeboyz this season, currently nestled in sixth place in the FKFPL. But regardless of their league position, they, along with all the hungry challengers, will pour their hearts onto the pitch in pursuit of glory, silverware, and a chance to represent Kenya on the continental stage.