Kirinyaga
Rising FC has been crowned as the winner of the Governor Anne Waiguru’s Sh1.5
million grand prize football tournament.
The
team from Baragwi Ward won the 10-month-long tournament in a nail-biting
showdown at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea constituency after beating Kiamaina FC of
Mutira Ward 1–0.
Kirinyaga
Rising was awarded the grand prize for season two of the tournament on
Jamhuri Day by Waiguru before a crowd of about 5000 spectators.
The
team’s defining moment came in the 50th minute when Ericson Magu
broke the deadlock with a precise finish that sealed its win.
Despite
Kiamaina FC’s relentless pressure and a spirited fight that kept fans on edge,
the final whistle saw the team earn Sh1 million for finishing second.
Dennis
Kariuki, the captain of Kianyaga FC, could not hide his excitement. Beaming
with pride, he said the victory was well deserved, noting that it was the
result of months of sacrifice and unwavering focus.
“I
want to thank the Governor for allowing us to showcase our talent.
This is a well-deserved win for my team,” he said.
Dennis
Munene, the captain of Kiamaina FC, said his team had played an excellent match
and accepted the outcome with grace.
“In
every game, there must be a winner and one that falls short. There is always
next time, and we are hopeful we will lift the trophy next season,” said Munene.
Munene added that the tournament has kept many young people away from alcohol and other drugs, urging the governor to sustain the initiative and continue believing in the youth.
Kaitheri FC from Kerugoya Ward emerged third after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Kiburu FC from Mukure Ward.
With the match tied 2–2 at full time, the referee called for penalties, culminating in Kaitheri winning on the ninth decisive spot-kick to secure Sh750,000, while Kiburu FC settled for Sh500,000 prize money.
In the women’s category, Lakers Queens FC from Murinduko ward beat Kiaga Queens FC from Kanyekiine ward 4–1 to walk away with Sh500,000 women’s grand prize.
The victory was powered by goals scored at the 42nd, 60th, 75th, and 87th minutes by Damaris Wangige and Captain Yvonne Gichobi.
Governor Waiguru said the tournament has been designed to nurture talent from the grassroots, with clubs competing from the ward level all the way to today’s county finals.
This
year’s tournament brought together 180
teams, 160 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams, from all 20 wards, engaging
over 4,500 youth directly.
“Beyond sport, the tournament has served as a powerful platform for creating awareness on drug and substance abuse, helping our young people embrace positive and productive lifestyles,” she said.
The tournament held under the theme “Fomu ni Futaa Badala ya Kamnyweso” has increased cash awards from Sh7.24 million in Season I to Sh7.73 million.
The league also had winners all the way from ward level, pool levels, county level and to the finals.
Since the start of the initiative, several players have been scouted and invited to join high-profile clubs, including AFC Leopards. Fortune Sacco FC (NSL), Mwea United FC, Jumbo T FC, and Kirinyaga Stars.
“Among
these success stories is our very own Elias
Mugane, who was scouted by Fortune Sacco while playing at the grassroots
and has this year made a remarkable transition into the Kenya Premier League through AFC Leopards,” Waiguru added.
Kirinyaga FC players celebrate tournament win/HANDOUT
Kirinyaga FC players showing off their prowess/HANDOUT
