B. OdhiamboSoy United patron reveals club's revamp plans
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 21.08.23. | 10:31
The club was recently relegated to the fourth tier
Two seasons ago, the National Super League(NSL) playoffs pitted Soy United and MCF FC. Then, very few had heard of the blue and whites of Likuyani Constituency in Kakamega County.
Fast forward to Sunday 20 August 2023, the club dropped further to the fourth tier after it failed to honour their matches in Football Kenya Federation Division One and had fans questioning on the once Likuyani football giants existence.
The silence had been defeaning till we managed to get hold of Mr. Ayiro Chahilu Edwin, founding Patron of Soy United Football Club to shed more light on the ongoings and now there is hope that football will be witnessed at the hallowed Ivugwi Shrine.
Q: How has it been for Soy and him away from the game?
A: Honestly, I have missed football, and it has really affected many people both directly and indirectly, but it is the lessons from the past that informed our decision to take a breather, am glad we are on the road to permanent recovery with a long-term plan.
Q: What does running a club single handedly involve altogether?
A: Well, it involves the ability to put the club first, and everything second. It has been the toughest class we attended as a club it calls for blood passion.
Q: That's deep, Mr. Patron, are you pleased with the young boys who reached the semi-final of the Kakamega County Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament?
A: Yes, I am convinced we have a structure for the new Soy United, and with a few more experienced additions, we will be a team on the growth curve for a season or two before we hit the runaway.
.jpg)
Q: Rumours have it you could be angling for a slot beyond Division Two and backed by a heavyweight sponsor. How true?
A: A lot is being said, for now, talks are advanced as to who will partner with us but more importantly we are engaging and if we realize anything the same will be official and long-term.
Q: Kiminini Combined has quickly risen to Division One, and so are Nakuru Bucks and your neighbours GFE105. How does this paint Soy United?
A: Well, firstly congratulations to all of them, and secondly, we all have our own story, leave alone history and as such we focus on Soy United and its tradition, I guess we give time some more time and the path will be all clear.
Q: What are the core problem facing grassroots football?
A: Well, the tournament culture must come to an end, and well-structured clubs be supported. For example, Soy United and Kona Rangers both hail from Likuyani, and with additional support from the NG-CDF or even the county government, we will see the quality in competitive teams as opposed to a tournament where promising youngsters fade into oblivion once more political tournaments come to an end. Only the Ministry can anchor such policy into existence and for prosperity.
Q: How does one balance professional work and the demands of running a club?
A: Well, it requires longer hours and huge sacrifice, we hope to have a functional office and technical assistance that will ease the pressure off my shoulders but more importantly nothing good in life comes easy and so one must push on despite the challenges and that is a special calling.
Q: What does the future hold for Soy United Football Club?
A: I believe in hope, and one of our founding principles is words are life, I see a lot of good tidings on the horizon and hopefully many doors open to returning our beloved Soy United Football Club to its rightful place.
Again, we are more experienced and will definitely make better decisions aimed at giving the club sound footing for posterity. No matter how long it takes, we will embrace long-term gains, not short-term wants, the plan is to bring back a stable Soy United Football Club and we know God is with us.
.jpg)
