Juniors cry foul

By ERICK OCHIENG'

Age disadvantage and inadequate preparation may have led to poor performance by the national Under-17 Copa Coca Cola football team that represented the country in South Africa.

And now, the team wants local officials to get their act right to avoid future mistakes that could cost the country opportunities to do well.

Members of the team were stunned to realise other countries, which participated in the continental event brought their Under-19 team players.

The championship, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, was won by the hosts.The team believed there could have been lack of communication somewhere as Kenyan officials used last year's criteria for selection where they recruited Under-17 team players rather than Under-19 in accordance with the changes duly made.

Poor preparation

Lack of adequate preparation was the other drawback the team cited for their poor show in South Africa.

Team captain Adams Ewoton, who was received by his father at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon the team's arrival from South Africa on Monday night, said other teams had entered training camp in preparation for the tournament much earlier.

"I spoke to our opponents and realised they went to training camps much earlier and this enhanced their bonding," said Ewoton.

Coach Gabriel Njoroge and Team Manager John Onguso have urged sponsors to keep the team intact and called for consistency of team Officials for future progress.

Played well

Njoroge, who confirmed his team played well in South Africa but failed to convert their numerous chances, had a bone to pick with local Golden Boot winner Timothy Otieno. He said the Form One student at Ambira High School was not himself in South Africa, saying he could have been overwhelmed by the local fame he achieved after winning the coveted title.

"My suggestion is that he should be counseled. I know he has great potential," said Njoroge.

On his part, Otieno blamed cold weather in South Africa and their opponents' age advantage for their poor performance. South Africa, who edged Botswana 3-2 in the final, won the championship.

Kenya played five matches, beating Botswana 3-2, drawing 1-1 with Angola and losing 2-1, 3-2 and 3-2 to Zambia, Uganda and Ecabu.

Source: The Standard | Online Edition