Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) SC head coach Evans Akumu has outlined two major challenges the team faces after earning promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsMMUST clinched the FKF Division Two Western Zone playoff title after edging out Samitsi FC 4-2 in post-match penalties.The university side had rallied from a two-goal deficit through goals by Bruce Fwaro and David Wangila, forcing the match into a shootout and eventually sealing a comeback victory.##NAJAVA_MECA_8971598##In an interview with Mozzart Sport, Akumu, who has now guided the team to two promotions, celebrated the milestone but acknowledged the uphill task ahead.Chief among the challenges is the team’s precarious financial position, especially as they prepare for long travels across the country in the third tier.##NAJAVA_MECA_8972697##“We are moving to a league that requires us to travel longer distances and incur more expenses,” said Akumu.“The university has been helpful with transport support, but we’ll need more help, especially with allowances, kits, and logistics.”Akumu has appealed to potential sponsors and partners to support the team’s new chapter.“We welcome any partners who want to be part of this journey. With the right support, we can aim even higher,” he said.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How MMUST came back against Samitsi to clinch Div One promotionAnother challenge looming is the potential exodus of players, as the squad is entirely composed of students, all enrolled at MMUST.“The team is 100 per cent made of comrades. Once a player graduates, they are no longer eligible to play for the team,” Akumu revealed.The only exception, he explained, is if a player enrols in another academic program at the university. “Unless a player convinces us that they’ve joined another course, we can’t retain them,” he added.Division One: MMUST book date with Samitsi in FKF Division Two Western Promotion playoff finalThis academic-based setup leaves the team in a constant cycle of rebuilding, a unique pressure for a side competing at higher levels of Kenyan football.MMUST earned their spot in the playoffs after topping their zone with 47 points from 22 matches.##NAJAVA_MECA_8969723##Akumu described the promotion journey as one filled with setbacks and resilience.“It has been a long and challenging road. Resource constraints were our biggest obstacle, but this journey has taught us a lot,” he said.Founded as a student-driven initiative, MMUST SC had previously faced dissolution five years ago.Their recent success marks a major comeback and a fresh chapter in the varsity club’s story.
