The Mountain Journal
Intercity FC from Tebere Ward has been crowned as the winner
of the Governor Anne Waiguru’s Kshs. 1 million Grand Prize Football Tournament.
Intercity FC worn the two-month long tournament in a
nail-biting 3-2 penalty shoot-out at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea constituency against
Thumaita FC from Kiine ward.
The team was awarded the Ksh.1 million grand prize by
Governor Waiguru before a crowd of about 20,000 spectators.
The defining moment came when the game ended in a baren draw
prompting the referee to call for a penalty shout-out.
Dennis Murimi,
the indomitable captain Intercity FC, basked in the glory of their hard-fought
triumph. Overflowing with ecstasy and elation, Murimi said that their
relentless dedication and hard work had finally reaped the sweet fruits of
success.
In a testament to their gallant efforts, Thumaita FC walked
home with more than just memories, securing a commendable second place and a
handsome second prize of Kshs. 750,000.
Shifting the spotlight to the women’s matches,
a riveting clash unfolded as Mukou Queens FC from Thiba Ward scored 3-1 to seized victory over Nyangati Ladies FC.
In a dazzling display of prowess, Mukou
Queens FC were crowned the champions, clinching the Kshs. 500,000 women’s grand
prize.
Governor Waiguru said she was elated to witness display of
excellent talents during the tournament.
The governor congratulated all the 200 teams that
participated and announced that she would make the tournament an annual event.
Green Stars from Karumandi ward emerged third, scooping Ksh.500,000
while Al Muslim FC from Kariti ward bagged Ksh.350,000.
Top teams in the ward level walked away with Ksh.50,000 for
the winner, Ksh. 30,000 for the second, Ksh. 20,000 for the third, Ksh. 10,000.
Waiguru expressed her satisfaction with the resounding
success of the tournament themed as “Nurturing Talent for Livelihood.”
She revealed that approximately 5,000
young footballers actively engaged in the competition, not only showcasing
their skills on the field but also leveraging on their talents to generate
substantial income.
The governor said a total of Ksh 7.850
million in cash prizes were awarded to winners of various levels of the
tournament.
The Council of Governors (COG) chair
said the tournament has become a catalyst for economic vibrancy at the
grassroots level with hundreds of spectators flocking playgrounds to witness
matches across all the wards which in turn provided business opportunities for
local vendors.
“The football matches that were played every Sunday
simultaneously across the wards also created business opportunities for
innovative entrepreneurs who sold foodstuff and other merchandise to thousands
of fans who turned up to cheer their teams,” she said
Beyond the financial aspect, the governor said the event
played a crucial role in steering young individuals away from the perils of
drug abuse.
“In today’s world, football is big business and there is
money in the game. Those who demonstrated football prowess during this
tournament have a great chance of becoming professional footballers and
climbing up the ladder to international leagues,” she remarked.
Ends….
start
Ladies Final
Mokou Queens (Mwea West)(blue)- Nyangati (3-1)
MokouCaptain-Ann Wambui
Mokou (scorer)
28″minute – Justinar Muthoni
50th minute- JustinarMuthoni 54″ minute- Fiona njeri
Nyangati( Mwea East)( orange)
Captain-Gladys Nyaguthii
Nyangati(scorer)-loreen atieno
Penalty – 63″ minute
FINALS MEN.
Intercity FC(Green) (Tebere Ward, Mwea) vs Thumaita Fc
(Orange) (kiine Ward, Ndia)
Start-2:00pm
Scores-3-2
Intercity Fc Captain- Dennis Murimi
Thumaita Fc Captain-Antony Mathenge
Penalty Intercity vs Thumaita
3-2
Thumaita Scorer- James Kinyua and Clinton Munene
Intercity Scorer-Kevin Waweru, Dennis Murimi and Ginger
Peter
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