On March 15, 2021, the dusty grounds of Woodley in Kibra came alive with the spirit of competition and community as Bangsports hosted the “Champe wa Mtaa” tournament. This event, more than just a football competition, was a celebration of aspiration, determination, and the power of sport to bring people together.
The Journey to the Finals
The tournament featured eight men’s teams and four women’s teams from Kibra and the larger Dagoretti area, including Kawangware and Riruta Satellite. Among these teams were AV Fitness, Kipaji Soccer Academy, Kibra United, Soka Talent, Gogo FC, Bundez, LX LG, and Undugu FC for the men’s category, and Kibera Girls and Sunderland Samba for the women’s category.
The road to the finals was grueling, with each team displaying incredible skill and tenacity. For AV Fitness, the inclusion of former Kenya internationals Osborne Monday and David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng provided a significant boost. Their experience and leadership were evident as they navigated their way through the competition.
The Thrilling Men’s Final
The men’s final was a highly anticipated match between AV Fitness and Kipaji Soccer Academy. A crowd of over 3,000 spectators gathered to witness this showdown. Despite the challenges posed by the dusty grounds, the players’ determination was unwavering.
Osborne Monday, showcasing his brilliance, provided a sumptuous assist for Edwin Otieno’s opener, giving AV Fitness an early lead. However, Kipaji Soccer Academy, clearly the crowd favorite, fought back with Timothy Noor equalizing before halftime. The second half saw Kipaji take control, scoring early and extending their lead to secure a 3-2 victory. Their triumph was celebrated with a trophy and a Sh200,000 prize.
The Women’s Final Showdown
Earlier in the day, the women’s final saw Sunderland Samba edge out Kibera Girls to be crowned champions. The victory was hard-fought, with both teams displaying exceptional talent and sportsmanship. Sunderland Samba’s win earned them the lion’s share of the Sh80,000 prize money.
A Community United
The “Champe wa Mtaa” tournament was not just about football; it was about community. Bangsports’s Marketing Director, Kevin Maundu, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the communities they operate within. He highlighted that this tournament was the first of many initiatives aimed at nurturing talent and supporting local development.
“We started this here in Nairobi and we hope to do the same across the country in the coming weeks. Of course, the COVID-19 situation has made things a little challenging, but this is the new normal and we have to find ways of doing what we have to do to nurture talent,” Maundu said.
Beyond the Pitch
In addition to organizing the tournament, Bangsports also provided training and playing kits to all participating teams. Each team received three footballs for their training, a gesture aimed at supporting their development long after the tournament ended.
“This is just the beginning,” Maundu added. “We will continue to advance this course of sports development using football because of its popularity. However, we will also explore what we can do for other sports disciplines.”
Conclusion
The “Champe wa Mtaa” tournament was a testament to the power of sport to inspire and unite communities. It showcased the incredible talent within Kibra and the surrounding areas and highlighted the importance of corporate support in nurturing local talent. As the dust settled on the Woodley Grounds, the stories of aspiration and determination from this tournament continued to resonate, promising a brighter future for the young athletes of Kibra.