The Mountain Journal
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s Ksh 1 million grand prize football tournament
entered the last stage with teams battling for a spot during finals expected to be played
at the Wang’uru Stadium on Sunday.
Already eight men and women teams have qualified for the quarter finals following
tightly contested county level play-offs staged at the Kerugoya stadium and Kaitheri
polytechnic grounds over the weekend.
Quarter finals and semi-finals will be played on Friday and Saturday respectively.
On Sunday, five men and five women teams battled it out in the County Level playoffs.
The stakes were high, with only three men’s and three ladies’ teams making the cut to
advance to the quarter-finals-.
At Kerugoya stadium on the men's side, Thumaita FC, Gathigiriri FC, and S Mukuba FC
emerged victorious, securing their spots in the quarter-finals. In women's matches at
Kaitheri polytechnic grounds; Wanda Queens FC, Mokou Queens FC and Kiamanyeki
Queens FC qualified for the quarter-finals.
The quarter-finals, will be a do-or-die situation for the remaining teams, as only the top
four will proceed to the semi-finals. It is here that the contenders will have to prove their
mettle to move one step closer to the grand prize of Ksh.1 million, which awaits the
ultimate victors in Sunday's final match.
Thumaita FC of Mukure Ward demonstrated their dominance by overpowering Kiamaina
FC of Inoi Ward with a commanding 3-0 victory. S Mukuba FC of Njukiini ward
showcased their prowess, whitewashing Ngang’a FC of Wamumu Ward 2-0, while
Gathigiriri FC from Gathigiriri ward secured a solid 2-0 win against Mukuba FC.
Thumaita FC Captain Maina Kanyungu said his team is optimistic of winning the
tournament.
“We have come far since we started. So many young people do not have work to do but
we were lucky to be involved in this tournament. Despite the challenges we faced
against Kiamaina FC, we are thrilled to be here on the brink of the finals. We can't wait
to compete for the Ksh.1 million prizes,” Maina said.
Dennis Munene, captain of Kiamaina FC, expressed disappointment following their loss
to Thumaita FC. He said the tournament has successfully united young people, steering
them away from detrimental influences like drugs.
“We are disappointed not to have won, but we wish our opponents the best. The
greatest achievement from this tournament has been the unity among us young people
and the avoidance of drugs,” Munene said.
Melody Gatimu, the captain of Mokou Queens FC, was overjoyed following their
resounding victory, during which she played a pivotal role by scoring five goals. She
emphasized on the significance of women's inclusion in such tournaments.
“As women, we are very happy to be included in this mega tournament and to get an
opportunity to showcase and nurture our talents. This should be the beginning of
women’s empowerment in sports and we hope for more football leagues in the future,”
she said.
Jackline Kago, the goal scorer for Kiamwathi Starlets FC, said despite her team’s
defeat, the girls performed well.
"As a team, we are confident that we showcased our best abilities. While we faced a
setback in this match, we eagerly look forward to the quarter-finals to witness who will
emerge victorious," she remarked.
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.
A total of Ksh. 8 million in cash prizes will be won. Apart from the winning team getting a
reward of Ksh.1 million, the second will receive Ksh.750,000. The third will walk home
with Ksh.500,000 as the fourth bags Ksh.350,000. The fifth will get Ksh. 200,000 with
top teams in ward level also receiving cash rewards.
Waiguru pointed out that the two months tournament is the largest football competition
to have ever taken place in the county and is aimed at empowering youths to generate
income from their talents.
Apart from the cash rewards, the teams will also receive uniforms, boots and footballs.
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