How Mozzart Bet Cup is powering Wisdom Soccer Academy’s big dream
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 05.02.26. | 07:30
The Kitale-based academy, popularly known as WISA, will once again take part in the country’s richest knockout competition when the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup kicks off this weekend, with a mouth-watering first-round clash against FKF Premier League side Mara Sugar
Wisdom Soccer Academy head coach Edwin Ogire has hailed the Mozzart Bet Cup as a vital platform in helping his young side chase their long-term dream of competing at the highest level of Kenyan football.
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The Kitale-based academy, popularly known as WISA, will once again take part in the country’s richest knockout competition when the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup kicks off this weekend, with a mouth-watering first-round clash against FKF Premier League side Mara Sugar.
Based in Trans Nzoia County, Wisdom Soccer Academy is no stranger to the tournament. They featured in the inaugural edition in 2023 following Mozzart Bet Kenya’s entry as title sponsors but exited after a defeat to Ulinzi Stars.
The Ogire-coached side returned in 2024, only to bow out at the preliminary stage following a 2-0 loss to Posta Rangers.
After missing out on the 2025 edition, the academy is back, and fate has once again handed them a top-tier opponent, with Saturday’s tie set for Ndura Sports Complex in Kitale.
Speaking exclusively to Mozzart Sport, Ogire said drawing Premier League sides is exactly what the academy hopes for.
“We are always happy to face top-tier teams because that is the dream of every player and every coach here,” Ogire said.
“The Mozzart Bet Cup gives us a rare chance to play against Premier League teams. That exposure is priceless. It helps us market our players, build their confidence, and give them a feel of high-level football, something you can only truly get in this competition.”
The tactician, who has built a reputation for developing young talent through stints at St Brigid’s and Wiyeta Girls, explained that such experiences leave a lasting impact on his players’ growth.
“When a boy remembers that he has played against teams like Posta Rangers or Ulinzi Stars, it changes his mindset,” Ogire noted.
“Even if you give him Gor Mahia tomorrow, he will feel comfortable. That confidence builds him as a player and helps shape his career positively.”
Despite facing another Premier League opponent in Mara Sugar, Ogire insists his youthful side will not roll over.
“I have a lot of respect for Mara Sugar, but they should expect a tough match. This is a youth team made up mostly of school-going players and a few who recently completed school, but they are well prepared. We train them to play modern football and to approach matches the same way Premier League teams do, not like a small local academy.”
Ogire also warned against underestimating Wisdom, pointing to the academy’s growing track record of producing players for bigger clubs.
“We have already exported players to top sides. We have players who have trained with Tusker and Ulinzi Stars, and others in Ulinzi Youth,” he said.
“So yes, we are an academy, but the boys understand the modern game and the demands of top-level football.”
The coach believes the Mozzart Bet Cup also carries special significance for the academy’s supporters, who have watched the team grow year after year.
“Our fans have seen this academy develop. They know how young these boys are and the journey they are on. They bring energy, hunger, and belief. We want to reward that support with a strong performance against Mara Sugar.”
A total of 64 teams will compete in this year’s Mozzart Bet Cup, with the knockout phase set for the weekend of February 7 and 8 after a short league break. The eventual winner will earn the right to represent Kenya in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
This year’s edition has received a major boost following a KSh 90 million sponsorship from Mozzart Bet, under which FKF will receive KSh 30 million annually over the next three years.
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