B. OsanoFive things we learned from the Mozzart Bet Cup Quarterfinals
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.05.23. | 08:55
Kakamega Homeboyz, AFC Leopards, Ulinzi and Tusker FC qualified for the semifinals after edging Sharks, Bandari, Sofapaka and KCB respectively in quarterfinals played over the weekend
The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) was paused over the weekend to give way for the Mozzart Bet Cup that was entering the quarterfinals stage.
For lovers of the local game, nothing was lost as the oldest knockout tournament in the country served high octane action that kept them enthralled.
In the end, Tusker FC, AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz FC and Ulinzi Stars stood tall as boys were finally separated from men.
Ulinzi managed to squeeze through, edging out Sofapaka on penalties, while Leopards, Homeboyz and Tusker were quite bullish, sending a stern warning to their next opponents with convincing wins.
1. The voice of fans is the voice of football
It goes without saying that Leopards fans have been the best this season in terms of match attendance. Yet, they gave their match against Bandari, which they won 3-0 a wide berth, thanks to a tiff with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
As much as there are issues to be sorted out between the federation and Ingwe, it's clear that the voice of fans cannot be ignored, they are the heart and soul of the game and must be heard.
2. Matano is truly The Lion
For the third time this season, Tusker FC have proved their superiority over KCB FC, beating them in all the three encounters.
The Brewers beat the Zedekiah "Zico" Otieno-coached side 1-0 in the league on Wednesday, before thumping them 2-0 in the Mozzart Bet Cup quarters on Saturday.
If you ever said that Robert "Lion" Matano, Tusker's coach, plays outdated football, then you better swallow your words before it's too late.
3. Experience is king
Kariobangi Sharks will not win any trophy this season, but take nothing away from the coach William Muluya's outfit, they have played beautiful football all through with inexperience their only undoing.
Going down 6-1 to Homeboyz in the Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinals underscored this fact. Watching the game, you could tell they were outrightly overwhelmed by a Homeboyz side that was well oiled and dominant.
For Muluya, the choice will be whether to strengthen the squad with tested legs or to keep the unit together to gain experience.
4. KCB FC and Bandari FC need to up their game
Enough has already been written and said about these two sides, who are basically adding numbers in Kenyan football despite management and financial stability they enjoy. Will they ever wake up?
