Butere Boys High School achieved a historic breakthrough, securing a spot in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Western Regional Games for the first time in their history.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsAfter finishing second in the Kakamega County Secondary School Games following a 2-0 loss to Musingu High School, Butere were officially declared county champions over the weekend.The ruling came after both Musingu and Kakamega High School, who had placed first and third, respectively, were disqualified for fielding ineligible players.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004625##While the technical decision favoured Butere, their rise has been attributed to years of silent groundwork behind the scenes, spanning nearly four years of planning, restructuring, and strategic mentorship from notable football figures.One of the most pivotal moments came just before the county games when Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu paid a visit to the school and delivered what many described as a powerful and life-changing pep talk.Okumu, who was on holiday in Kenya before returning to France to join his club Stade Reims, challenged the students to believe in their talent and pursue football with discipline and commitment.“He told them football has no boundaries. It does not choose who you are or where you come from. With hard work and discipline, it can take you anywhere,” said Paul Okatwa, who doubles up as an assistant coach at Kakamega Homeboyz and a member of the Butere coaching unit alongside John Wawa and Boustone Mukolwe.“The boys took his message seriously. You could see it in how they approached the tournament.”Police Bullets to splash millions in pursuit of CAF Champions League dreamOkumu himself is a product of the school football system, having featured for Kakamega High School in 2014 before embarking on a professional career that has seen him play in the U.S., Sweden, Belgium, and now Ligue 1 in France.Butere’s progress has also been supported by visits from former students and regional stars such as Kevin Amwayi, Glen Masava, and Henry Odhiambo, all of whom play for Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Premier League.“The return of alumni has made a big difference,” said Okatwa.“Preparation for this moment started 4 years ago. We have been working on a four-year plan, and now we are beginning to see the fruits. In football, preparation is everything.”Posta defender’s plea to management after going months without salariesHe added that the school principal has been one of the strongest backers of the team’s growth and development.“I always tell the boys to give their best, pursue what they love with heart, and put God first. It is not just about results, it is about building young men who are ready for life.”Both Butere boys and girls will represent their sub-county in the Western Region Games, which were originally set to kick off on July 9.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004639##However, the matches may be postponed pending the outcome of a court case filed by Kakamega High School against Musingu and the regional appeals jury.Musingu, Kakamega School found guilty of documents falsification. #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/bcY3yeKK03— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) July 4, 2025
