Gucha Stars team manager Oseko Maswari is confident the team has what it takes to challenge and earn promotion to the National Super League (NSL) in their debut season.The Kisii-based outfit got promoted to the third tier on Sunday following an intense FKF Division Two Central Zone promotion playoff staged at Bomet IAAF Stadium.Under the tutelage of former Shabana attacker John Nyamweya, Gucha outshined pre-tournament favorites Kapkatet Youth 3-2 to clinch the ticket to the prestigious lower-tier stage.##GEOTARGET_BANNER_8234529##Initially, they saw off Amani Youth 6-5 in the semifinals to book a date with Kapkatet.With the promotion now sealed, Oseko believes they are ready to replicate APS Bomet and Fortune Sacco’s forms last season and advance to the next league at their first attempt.”Definitely our target is always going for the top and nothing else. The players are aware that we are going for the Division One title, we want to gain promotion at the first attempt,” said a confident Oseko.In the last two seasons, newly promoted sides have struggled to cope with the demands of the third division, which has seen them withdraw midway, but Oseko maintains they have a clear roadmap to compete until the end and gain subsequent promotions to the top tier.”We are well prepared, we know the demands of the league, and nothing scares us. We have the ability to pull the cart all the way to the FKF Premier League,” he told Mozzart Sport.Mara Sugar aiming to replicate Sofapaka’s 2009 successMeanwhile, Oseko said the club will use their elaborate and vibrant talent identification system to recruit players who will be important in the third tier rather than holding trials. He further hinted at massive exits at the club.”We are going to let some players leave, but that doesn’t mean we are going to have trials. As a club, we have a system of assessing players we want to join us. We watch them, and if satisfied, we offer them a contract,” said the club boss.Oseko also rallied the Omugusii community to support the team for the growth of football in the region.Kisii will now have two representatives in the third tier following the demotion of Gusii FC from the NSL.”Bomet was massive. We saw all the people of Kisii behind the team. Let’s continue with the same spirit next season, regardless of the teams we are attached to, for the growth of football here.”Alex Onchwari eyes first career title after sealing move to Tusker
