Governor Anne Waiguru Minji Minji Football Cup Reaches Sub-County Level despite heavy rains
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 10th 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 women’s teams, a big stride toward gender inclusivity in sports. The women’s 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.
