Ngata United FC are the champions of Mosop Ward Boxing Day Football Tournament that was sponsored by Businessman and Nakuru County first Gentleman Sam Mburu.
Ngata United FC beat Juhudi FC 5 goals to 3 goals.
The Champions Ngata United FC started well scoring their first goal in the first minutes of first half of the game.
However,Juhudi later equalized in the second half of the match leading to peanlties after 90 minutes ended 1-1.
It is in the penalties that Ngata United FC overpowered Juhudi 4-2.
The team was crowned champion at finals at Ngata Primary school making away with a trophy and monetary reward of Sh 500,000.
Juhudi FC who were number 2 received sh 300,000.
Number three and four received sh200,000 and sh 100,000 respectively.
The tournament that started started on 9th December had 30 teams participating in the football.
There were also teams taking part in volleball.
Speaking when he graced the event, President William Ruto’s Personal Assistant Mr.Farouk Kibet who was the chief guest lauded Sam Mburu for sponsoring such a tournament.
He noted that it will go a long way in ensuring talents are nurtured at grassroot level.
Farouk also pointing out the need for more fundind towards such initiatives that will also help young people not to engage in drugs and substance abuse.
According to him, the Ministry of sports at national level should work with counties towards same by improving sports facilities.
“We have talents at grassroot level and that is where we should channel money towards empowering the young people,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika who reiterated the county government’s commitment towards nurturing young talents in sports.
According to Kihika, already plans are on through sports department to ensure sporting activities from ward level and then final competition at county level.
This, she says will go a long way in identifying talents and nurturing the same.
At the same time, Kihika has revealed that her administration set aside Sh 500,000 per ward towards sports.
“We want to make this even bigger as a county. We know there are many talents at grassroot level and this is an areawe want to focus at,” said Kihika.
Football Kenya Federation Nakuru Branch Chairman Francis Oliele on his part lauding the organizers of the tournament led by Sam Mburu.
He noted that with young people on holidays, such tournaments are key in keeping them busy hence not participating in criminal activities or drugs and substance abuse.
“Such tournaments are noble in keeping our young people busy especially during the holidays,” he says.
The event was also attended by Water Cabinet Secretary Zachary Njeru, MPs David Gikaria(Nakuru East), Samuel Arama(Nakuru West), Irene Njoki(Bahati) and a number of Nakuru MCAs among other guests.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.