Kuta Collection founder on why Mozzart Bet Cup is better than playing in leagues
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 25.03.26. | 17:41
Beyond the pitch, Kuta is keen on mentoring his players and preparing them for life after football
Kuta Collection founder and midfield marshal, Augustine Kuta, has opened up on why his team is prioritizing tournaments like the Mozzart Bet Cup instead of seeking promotion to the FKF Premier League.
The former top-flight player cited finances as the main reason.
While participating in cup competitions costs Kuta Collection approximately Ksh200,000 to 300,000 per month, that amount is manageable because matchday expenses, including venues and referees, are covered during the tournament.
In contrast, league participation would require the team to shoulder these costs themselves, a financial burden Kuta admits would be too heavy.
Despite these constraints, Kuta Collection has defied the odds, progressing to the Round of 16, where they are set to face Shabana FC.
Kuta stressed that cup tournaments provide crucial exposure for his players.
"It means a lot because the more we push forward, the better opportunities to sell themselves out here. If we were knocked out in the round of 64 and remember we played away in Meru, a lot of these players would not be visible out here," he told Mozzart Sport during the Round of 16 draw.
Beyond the pitch, Kuta is keen on mentoring his players and preparing them for life after football.
"I try passing on the experience I got from playing at the top level, mentoring them, and showing them that as they grow, they get better, so that they can learn something from our past at a closer range," he said.
Equipment like balls and uniforms is not an issue for the team, thanks to Kuta running a sports shop.
However, funding remains the biggest hurdle for the team.
Expenses such as securing proper training grounds, transport, and player allowances are more challenging.
"This group has dedicated itself because they believe they will sell themselves out there. But funding is the biggest challenge," Kuta admitted.
Kuta further explained that the cup format provides an easier avenue for exposure. With matchday costs covered, players can focus on performing and getting noticed by bigger clubs.
"Right now, with the tournament on and the window already closed, we have not gotten interest from bigger clubs. We decided to register for the Mozzart Bet Cup because with such a tournament, you only pay the registration, then the advantage is they will pay for the matchday expenses and all that," he noted.
For Kuta, success for his team would go beyond just participation.
The goal is either to win the cup or finish among the top three.
Even if the team does not make the podium, playing the maximum number of matches and giving players a platform to showcase their talents is considered a win.
"Success for this team would look like finishing on the podium. Either winning the cup, or first or second runners-up. If we fail to get to the top three, we should play a maximum number of games in the tournament," he added.
Kuta brings a wealth of experience from his time at Nairobi City Stars, FC Talanta, Kibera Black Stars, and Equity.