PuraVida Sports

By Pura Vida Sports Africa Reporter

Kuta Collection FC founder Augustine Kuta stood arms akimbo, crest-fallen after centre referee Teddy Asman blew the final whistle that sent Shabana FC through to the Mozzart Bet Cup quarter-finals at the Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea on Saturday, April 11.

He glanced at the pitch before summoning the courage to walk on and comfort his non-league team’s inconsolable players who had put on a great show before succumbing to Brian “M10” Michira’s controversial sucker punch.

Team sponsor Elias Makori also scanned the field, fighting back tears as the players trooped back to the bench, their body language saying it all: It was so near yet so far for Kuta Collection FC, an exciting team made up of a cocktail of experience and exuberant youth…

Boston-based Douglas Maina Obanyi, an avid supporter of Kuta Collection FC who flew in from the USA to show his support, comforted the team’s members alongside long-time fan John “Jonito” Ohuma, proud of the fight the boys put up throughout the knockout tournament whose winners qualify to represent Kenya at next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Kuta Collection FC was the only non-league team in the last 16, with just one team – Western Zone Division II league side Mfalme FC – outside the Premier League making it to the last eight.

The other quarter-finalists in the tournament are Tusker FC, Ulinzi Stars, KCB, Shabana, Kenya Police FC, Bandari FC and title holders Nairobi United FC.

Dreadlocked playmaker Michira scored the all-important goal on the stroke of the 25^th minute cooling break, a strike that Kuta Collection FC defenders fiercely protested for off-side but the second assistant referee on the far side, Celestine Nyawira – who had failed to make a corresponding run that would have placed her authoritatively on the line of sight – would have none of it. 

Asman obliged and pointed at the centre circle.

After riding a tackle from skillful Kuta Collections FC forward Ibrahim “Mao” Ahmed on the counter attack, Dunson Kiprono broke loose on the right flank and fed a sprinting Michira who appeared marginally ahead of Kuta Collection’s back four, but without the advantage of VAR technology, the goal stood.

Courage and discipline

“I’m happy with how the players have played with courage and discipline, just like we had planned. It’s sad to lose by a goal that to me looked offside, but it has been a great journey,” Kuta Collection FC coach Wilson Oburu, a former Harambee Stars goalkeeper, said.

The match was also watched by Harambee Stars’ Lebanon-based regulars Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma who both offer support to and train with Kuta Collection FC, a team of promising, unattached players. On match day at Mwea, they took the lunch tab, encouraging the players not to give up the project even after the narrow 0-1 loss to the “Tore Bobe” side.

Shabana FC’s stand-in coach Mark Ongwae said they came prepared: “It’s always difficult to play against non-league teams and we came prepared. We are happy to have scored the important goal. The important thing was for us to qualify for the quarter-finals.”

Shabana defender Wycliffe Omondi showed some respect to their opponents on the day: “It was a very good challenge… most of the Kuta Collection FC players have Premier League experience and they were good opponents.”

Several Kuta Collection FC players are now destined to Europe and Japan for trials with some Kenyan Premier League clubs having also expressed interest in a selection of the team’s stars who played impressively during the FKF Mozzart Bet Cup.

Time will certainly prove that the Kuta Collection FC and Pura Vida Sports Africa journey is worth the while and is an enviable platform to market unattached yet talented players.

Led by team captain Morgan “Beats” Oduor, the squad members pushed to work even harder despite the Mozzart Bet Cup exit.

‘Amazing human beings’

“God bless you CEO (Augustine) and you Mr (Elias) Makori, the coaching staff for the job you have done behind the scenes to give us this platform. God will reward you… to the players, mad respect! When I look at how you play, I fail to understand why you are unattached! Anyway, it’s God’s plan and we should not give up. It has been a pleasure working with you guys and hopefully this is not the end…God bless you each of you beyond the desires of your hearts,” Oduor reacted.

Augustine Kuta, a former Kenyan Premier League player who formed the team in 2022 to provide a platform for unattached and young players alike to showcase their potential, was full of praise for the squad that outplayed Shabana but were unlucky to fall to an offside goal:

“You guys are amazing human beings,” he said. 

“It has been a journey mixed with different emotions from Day One… we have learned a lot from this experience. We ended this Mozzart Bet Cup journey with a loss but huge smiles at the end of the day. 

“I am happy that everyone feels like a champion despite the loss. I can’t thank you enough for the commitment and fight, you all gave your best from the starting lineup to the technical bench and the injured group. That was amazing from you guys. I could see how passionate you guys were.

Showed character and hunger

“We were a team in all decisions made on the day , we worked as a family to get to where we were. We showed character and hunger to carry the day. I learnt a lot as a person from the experience we have had. From fighting with some of you  to understanding it was all because you wanted to win. I wish I could do more for you guys but for now, all I can do is give a platform and a house for you guys to feel at home.”

Kuta added that efforts are being made to secure some of the team’s players permanent moves to interested teams after their stellar display.

“We are going to do our best to secure deals for majority of you guys this coming window, so stay fit.”

Team Manager Titus Mbithi also paid tribute to the team for the stellar display: “Even the Shabana fans I spoke to agree that our team is good. I liked the spirit that the entire team displayed, from goalkeeper Mustapha Oduor’s saves to the shots at goal and how striker Eric (Otieno) was harassing the defenders. We had all the ball possession and we taught Shabana some lessons. This is not the end. We must continue with the initiative.”

Defender Daniel Bichiok, who was called up to the South Sudan national team for their AFCON 2027 preliminary round matches against Djibouti as Kuta Collection FC were preparing for the Shabana game, was philosophical, saying “this journey was never just about the result.”

Determination, resilience, brilliance

“Competing against established Premier League teams is never easy, and the scoreboard may not reflect the effort we gave. But let’s be very clear about something, this journey was never just about the result. It was about a second chance given to us, courage, growth, and stepping onto a stage where many never get the chance to stand,” Bichiok said.

“We came together as a newly assembled team, built from different backgrounds, different experiences, and in a short time, we formed something powerful. That alone is an achievement worth recognizing. 

“We faced teams with more time together, and more exposure, yet we showed determination, resilience, and moments of brilliance that prove our potential is real.

“To the players, our commitment, discipline, and willingness to fight for each other did not go unnoticed. Every run, every tackle, every pass carried the spirit of a team that refuses to back down. Losses can be painful, but they are also powerful teachers. What matters now is what we take from this experience because this is where champions are shaped.

“To the coaches: your guidance, belief, and hard work in bringing this group together and preparing us for such a competitive environment is deeply appreciated. Building a team is not easy, especially in a short time, but you laid a foundation that can grow into something exceptional.

Love for the game

“To the management: T.M. (Makori), Kuta Asante sana, sana, we can’t thank you enough… Thank you for your vision, support, and effort behind the scenes. Opportunities like this do not come by chance they are created through planning, sacrifice, and love for the game. This is not the end of a story it is the beginning of one.

“Today, we take the lessons. Tomorrow, we build stronger. Next time, we come back wiser, sharper, and even more united. Let’s Hold our heads high. Be proud of how far we’ve  come in such a short time. Great teams are not defined by a single result, but by their ability to rise, learn, and keep moving forward.”

The team’s physiotherapist Seline Nekesa was equally impressed by the team’s run: “The result hurts, but it will never take away the effort, heart, and fight you showed on that pitch. I’m so proud of you for giving your all despite everything. This is not the end, it’s just part of the journey—keep your heads up and keep pushing forward. I love you and I stand with you always. Thank you for the passion and dedication you give every single day,” she said.

Meanwhile, Makori, who along with his sports consultancy Pura Vida Sports Africa supported the team as shirt sponsors, congratulated Kuta and the team for the amazing run.

“A huge congrats to Augustine Kuta for living the dream and offering an opportunity to talent, and for the partnership with Pura Vida Sports Africa that has proved that it can be done. Kuta has sacrificed a huge deal, working late into the night to ensure the team is well kitted and has everything needed, and that talented players get a second chance… These efforts will not be in vain,” he said.

Dark side of Kenyan football

“We have seen the dark side of Kenyan football but let that not discourage us! I know we have made a strong statement for all to see,” he added, referring to the questionable refereeing on the field of play and the decision by Football Kenya Federation to bring the game forward with short notice to accommodate Shabana FC’s programmes in Kisii.

The late changes also affected Kuta Collection’s anticipated gate revenues with just Sh24,489 the team’s share from the turnstiles against pre-match expenditure that ran into hundreds of thousands.

Makori also thanked Harambee Stars veterans Masoud Juma, Anthony “Teddy” Akumu, Austin Odhiambo and Eric “Marcelo” Ouma who have been training with Kuta Collection FC. Juma, Akumu and Odhiambo are back home owing to the US-Iran war that has affected their base in Lebanon with Nejmeh FC, while “Marcelo” was on rehabilitation after recovering from an injury.

“A huge congrats to our legends Masoud, Teddy, Austin, Marcelo for the support and mentorship. To coach Wilson, Captain Morgan and the entire squad and technical bench, doc, content creator… you have shown the beauty of teamwork,” Makori said.

“Our critics don’t know the philosophy behind Kuta Collection, which is to offer a platform for success. We shall prove them wrong! We will prove to Kenyans that Kuta Collections is more than a club. It’s the right gateway to success. God bless you all and let’s keep the dream alive!”

Defender Peter Okoth was on the bench for the final and appreciated the team spirit.

“We are a family  and together we’ve built a home for us  and for many more to come. We have achieved so much within a short period of time and we take a lot of pride in that. 

“We will take a very short break then resume our normal program as before and we expect to have everyone on board.”

New boy Feisal Ahmed “Starboy”, it was a journey full of new friends.

“I don’t have much to say, but to thank God that we travelled well for the match and came back to Nairobi safely. I’ve made new brothers and cheers to more blessings Inshallah,” Ahmed summed it up. –

elias.makori@ymail.com