The Mountain Journal
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s football tournament entered the sub-county stage,
with 40 teams fighting for the ultimate Ksh.1 million cash reward for the winner.
On Sunday, matches involving 20 men and 20 women teams were played despite the
heavy rains that delayed start and finish of some of the games.
In Mwea East Sub-County, Intercity FC of Tebere Ward clashed Kutus FC of Nyangati
Ward FC 3-1 in an entertaining match played at Kimbimbi primary school ground before
proceeding to beat Gathigiriri FC 1-0 at the same venue. In ladies matches, Tebere beat
Gathigiriri 2-0 while Nyangati thrashed Murinduko FC 4-0 to win the game.
In Mwea West Sub-County, eight matches were played with Captain FC beating Ndume
FC 2-0. Young Star FC white washed Ngang’a FC 2-0 to win their matches. In ladies
matches, Naivas Starlets and Mokou starlets had a field day with Naivas scoring six
goals against Marura Queens FC’s 0, Mukou hammered Soccer sisters 7-0.
In Kirinyaga East sub-county, Mukuba FC beat Kianyaga Rising FC 3-1 in men category
while Njuki-ini ladies were beaten 3-0 by Kiamwathi Ladies. In Kirinyaga West,
Thumaita FC run over Baricho FC after beating the men’s team 3-2 with Wanda Queens
scored five goals against Kiburu Ladies.
Inoi United FC and Kiamaina FC drew 3-3 in their encounter in men category while in
ladies matches, Scorpion FC beat Gathuthuma FC 5-0 to win the match in Kirinyaga
Central Sub-County.
Finals of the tournament dubbed “Governor Anne Waiguru- Minji Minji Football Cup” are
expected to be played around 10 th December.
Governor Waiguru said the tournament, under the theme “Nurturing Talent for
Livelihood,” will see about 5,000 youth from about 200 football clubs compete from the
ward up to the county level.
Intercity Fc’s captain Anthony Mathenge was elated after his team won two matches.
He said that the tournament has been a great boost to player’s morale with each eyeing
the top prize.
“Despite the heavy rains, we as a team have remained committed and are now seeing
the fruits of our labor. We defeated Nyagati ward Fc first and now we have defeated
Gathigiriri ward. We are now inching closer and closer to the Ksh. 1 million prize
money,” he said.
“After these wins, we now have 6 points and are looking forward to facing Murindoko Fc
next weekend. We are optimistic that we will win those upcoming matches as well,” he
added.
Gathigiriri Fc’s captain, Paul Ndichu echoed his competitor’s sentiments, adding that
despite their loss, the team would regroup, train harder for the upcoming matches.
“As a team, we feel that we played to the best of our ability and we look forward to next
weekend. Next, we will face Kutus Fc and hopefully we will emerge victorious,” he said.
One notable aspect of the tournament is the inclusion of wome;s teams, a big stride
toward gender inclusivity in sports. The womens teams also have a chance to
showcase exceptional talent, breaking barriers and inspiring young girls to embrace
football as a platform for empowerment and as a means to earn a living.
Fatuma Kimani, Gathigiriri Fc’s captain, expressed excitement over the commencement
of the women’s matches.
“As women, we are very happy to be included in this mega tournament and to get an
opportunity to showcase and nurture our talents. We thank Governor Anne Waiguru for
commissioning this tournament and including women, this is a step in the right
direction,” she said.
Mary Njeri, Tebere Fc’s captain was excited after her team won the match against
Gathigiriri Fc.
“As a team, we are happy that Governor Anne Waiguru’s tournament is inclusive and
this has ensured that women get similar opportunities with men to nurture our talents as
well as showcase our abilities. All eyes are on that prize and this has made the games
very exciting,” she said.
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