This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
Wazito FC: The Ambitious Newcomers to Kenyan Premier League ¶
Wazito FC, a team from Machakos, has been making waves in the Kenyan football scene with their ambitious plans to challenge the top dogs in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL). Founded in 2011, the team has a rich history, having won several titles in the lower divisions before being promoted to the KPL in 2018.
Under the leadership of new President Ricardo Badoer, a billionaire businessman, Wazito FC has undergone significant changes, both in the technical bench and the squad. The team has appointed Fred Ambani as their head coach, with Hamisi Muhammed as his assistant. Former Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi has also been hired as the Technical Director.
The team has also made significant player recruitment, signing high-profile players such as Burundi international Karim Nzigiyimana and Rwandan defender Abouba Sibomana. They have also beaten Gor Mahia FC for the signature of former Sony Sugar hitman Otanga and signed Elvis Rupia from Zambia Super League side Power Dynamos.
According to Hamisi Muhammed, the team's assistant coach, their objective is to win the league title. 'We've come with one objective; to win the league. People are going to think we're being too ambitious or just crazy but that's the ambition,' he said in an interview with Citizen Digital.
Wazito FC's ambition is not without reason. The team has a talented player in Joseph Irungu, a winger who has quick feet and an incredible turn of pace. With more quality around him, Joe's full potential could finally be on show for the KPL.
Wazito FC was formed in 2011 and mainly consisted of University of Nairobi alumni. The following year they club joined the Nairobi County League in the fifth tier and went on to win it.
It earned them promotion to the fourth tier where they also won the title to enter the third tier, finishing second in 2014. They featured in the NSL for three years before being promoted to the KPL in 2018 and were relegated the same season.
Wazito FC is now back in the KPL, and they are determined to make a mark. With their ambitious plans and talented players, they are definitely one to watch in the upcoming season.
