FEASSSA Games: Butere banking on World Cup experienced quartet to end Uganda's dominance

Butere Girls are sharpening their claws ahead of a home showdown in Kakamega, vowing to wrestle the East Africa Games girls' football crown from Uganda’s St. Noah Girls to end their long-standing dominance.

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The Red Commandos will, however, be without injured star striker Joy Angela Valencia.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Butere coach Edwin Sakwa expressed confidence that the Kenyan side will topple the defending champions when this year’s regional schools championship kicks off in Kakamega on Thursday, 14 August, and runs until Thursday, 28 August.

However, Sakwa confirmed that Valencia, a key player for the team, will miss the tournament after suffering a knee injury.

“This year, we have four Kenya Under17 World Cup players in our team. They will boost the side, and we are determined to end Uganda’s dominance in the East African schools championship,” Sakwa said.

The four are striker Joy Angela, left back Diana Anyango, attacking midfielder Lorna Faith, and defensive midfielder Halima Imbachi, all currently in camp preparing for the challenge.

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Sakwa noted that the squad will also be bolstered by Kenya U20 players Dorcas Anyango (right back), Clotilda Auma (defensive midfield), Lorna Wossike (playmaker), Patience Asiko (centre back), Nowling Wandera (playmaker), Marvellous Atkar (forward), and Christine Wine (attacking midfield).

Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo will guard the posts for the hosts.

The championship matches will be staged at Kakamega Boys High School, Mukumu Girls, St. Peter’s, and Mumias Sports Complex. Bukhungu Stadium may remain unavailable, as it is still under renovation.

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Sakwa said the team is working on physicality, endurance, game intelligence, and mental preparation to be ready for the regional showpiece.

“At the end of the day, it’s about how mentally prepared the players are. If we get it right, we will surely topple our key opponents, St. Noah,” he stressed.

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The coach recalled last year’s painful defeat to the Ugandans in Masaka, attributing it to being outmuscled physically.

“They were more physical than us were last year. This time, we have grown, and with players who featured in the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic last October, we are ready to match their physicality while using our speed and skill to dominate,” Sakwa concluded.