Ubunifu Pride FC are the Champions Nakuru West Sub County League.
The crowning ceremony by Nakuru County FKF Chairman.PHOTO/COURTESY.
The win has seen the team promoted to County League 2025.
This even as stakeholders urged the team to maintain high levels of discipline even as they join County League.
The under 18 boys team is optimistic that it will lift the name of Nakuru West.
The crowning ceremony.PHOTO/COURTESY.
The team sponsored by Barut-based Ubunifu Sports Academy, comprises students from Barut area, but in different schools.
Speaking on Saturday January 4, 2025 during the crowning ceremony, Chairman FKF Nakuru County Mr Francis Oliele lauded talents at grassroot level.
“At League level is where the talents are also exhibited though regulations are strict and teams should brace for the same,” he stated.
Oliele expressed optimism that more teams will join the League and even Regional League.
Ubunifu Sports Academy Director Joab Okello holds the trophy.PHOTO/COURTESY.
Sentiments echoed by Ubunifu Sports Academy Director Joab Okello.
Okello lauded FKF for the gesture of the trophy and a ball to the team.
He assured that the Ubunifu FC will join County and this will roll down to even the under 15.
“We want to ensure more talents from Barut joining great clubs within and without this country,” stated Okello.
Ubunifu Pride FC plays goes for the ball during a match.PHOTO COURTESY.
Okello who is the founder of Ubunifu Sports Academy started in 2024 January, also lauded the sponsors among them Football Friends International through American Friends of Kenya who gave the first grant towards the program.
Over 500 players from Barut have been ushered into various senior groups.
He stated that the crowning of Ubunifu Pride FC as the champion of Nakuru West Sub county FKF League is historic as it has never happened in Barut.
According to Okello, many teams have come up but never has a trophy come home.
He revealed that such donations have had a great impact where one of the girls is now playing with Gormahia under national premiership, another girl is now a goalkeeper with Wiyeta Girls under full scholarship.
He added that two of boys from Ubunifu have joined the national training team under Kenya Sports Academy in Eldoret, while two boys will also join crater view training Academy.
Joab also used the moment to challenge the young talents to have confidence in themselves whenever they are spotted to join various clubs.
“Poverty can a times deny them the opportunity, but through donors, we are able to support them with the necessities required,” stated Okello.
He challenged the Barut community to allow them access the talents in community.
Joab also called for sports talents volunteers to show up and support the initiative that is meant to grow talents at grassroot level.
Sentiments echoed by James Awilo- the Team Manager Ubunifu Sports Academy.
He stated that the growth is a plus to the academy as the under 15 boys will now take over to the next level.
“We still believe that we shall be at the top with both of our teams. The reward of the trophy motivates the upcoming teams to work harder. We laud the coaches for the work well done that has led to this results,” stated Owilo.
Denis Odhiambo- the Assistant Captain of Ubunifu Pride FC also lauded the coach and the entire Ubunifu Sports Academy for the support.
He was quick to point out that they will maintain the synergies they have had on the Sub county league even as they elevate to County League.
“We are very grateful to our coaches and the entire Ubunifu Sports Academy for the support. As players we promise to do our best in the County League,” stated Odhiambo.
Ubunifu Pride Head Coach Vincent Waisera revealed that the journey has not been smooth, but they are the champions.
He added that their focus is now on the county League that is before them.
“We know the County League is not easy but we are ready and we want to ensure our able fans that we shall do all our best,” stated Vincent.
According to Okello, many teams have come up but never has a trophy come home.
