KISUMU – In the bustling community of Kisumu, football is more than just a game; it’s a powerful tool for social transformation. At the heart of this change is the Manyatta Youth Resource Center (MYRC), led by Anthony Mzee Obala, a 59-year-old visionary committed to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering peace among the youth. Through the universal language of football, Obala and MYRC are making significant strides in nurturing talent, promoting gender equality, and building a cohesive community.

According to Kenya News Agency, established in July 2009 and certified as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) by the Ministry of Sports, Gender, Children, and Social Development, the center has embarked on a multifaceted approach to empower young people. Obala, drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences in Jericho playing football with a makeshift ball, has leveraged the game’s popularity to address societal issues and provide a sanctuary for the youth.

MYRC’s initiatives extend beyond the football field. The center offers a plethora of activities aimed at holistic development, including photography and film production, deejaying, dance, basic computer training, and life skills mentorship. These programs are designed to instill values such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, and effective communication, with a special focus on respecting and empowering girls and women within the community.

Highlighting the center’s inclusive approach, Obala shared insights into their annual “Super Sato” event, a December gathering that embodies the spirit of giving back to the Manyatta community. This event, along with regular weekend lunches for over 90 children, underscores MYRC’s commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging and happiness among the less fortunate.

The impact of MYRC’s efforts is evident in its track record of success stories, including the advancement of boys and girls in football to prestigious levels and the provision of scholarships for academic pursuits. The center’s achievements have been recognized and supported by various stakeholders, including donations from the Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Innovations, Ababu Namwamba, and partnerships with organizations like AfriNov for peace-building initiatives.

Under the guidance of volunteer coaches and administrators, MYRC runs a football academy catering to different age groups and genders, promoting equal access to sports and education. The success of this program is reflected in the accomplishments of alumni, such as Sophie Akinyi and Benson Omalla, who have excelled in their respective sports and academic careers.

Despite facing challenges such as inadequate funding and the need for more coaches and equipment, MYRC remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of sports in transforming lives and communities. As Obala continues to advocate for improved sports facilities and support for community coaches, the legacy of MYRC as a catalyst for positive change in Kisumu is undeniable.

NYAHURURU – In a somber gathering at Nyahururu stadium, local athletes paid tribute to the late World Marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, with a minute of silence before commencing their speed work training on Tuesday. This gesture of respect and mourning was in solidarity with the national and global athletics community, following Kiptum’s tragic death in a road accident on Sunday night.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kiptum’s untimely demise has left a void in the sports world, depriving fans and fellow athletes of a highly anticipated competition between him and Eliud Kipchoge at this year’s Paris Olympic Games. The athletes reminisced about Kiptum’s achievements and the potential face-off with Kipchoge, whose world record Kiptum had recently surpassed.

The accident, which also claimed the life of Kiptum’s coach, Garvais Hakizimana from Rwanda, occurred along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Highway, shocking the athletics fraternity in Kenya and beyond. Kiptum had set a new world record at the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:00:35, besting Kipchoge’s record of 2:01:39 set in 2022.

Daniel Njenga, a former marathon runner and now a coach in Japan, shared that he had been inundated with calls from Japan, with many expressing their grief and seeking information about the accident. The loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana resonates deeply within the athletics community, marking a tragic end to the promising career of one of Kenya’s finest marathon runners.

Boulsa, Burkina Faso — In a closely contested final held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, Barça FC emerged victorious in the first edition of the Malouda Espoir football tournament in Boulsa, Center-North region, securing the championship with a narrow 1-0 win over Tibin FC. The only goal of the match, which determined the fate of the trophy, came from a set piece by Wilfried Singbéogo, 20 meters from the goal, in the 19th minute of the second half.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Harouna Ilboudo, the tournament featured 15 teams from the province of Namentenga, beginning on December 21, 2023. It was organized under the theme “Training in the basics of quality football,” with the aim of fostering young talent in the region. Ilboudo expressed his ambition of creating a football center dedicated to developing a team capable of clinching a national title, highlighting the event’s role in promoting sportsmanship and football skills among youths aged 12 to 16.

The Secretary General of the North Center League, Rasmané Ouédraogo, commended Ilboudo’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in the face of challenges. He also congratulated the Barça FC team on their victory and the tournament’s successful organization, underscoring the collective effort of players, coaches, and sponsors.

The tournament enjoyed the support of various local figures, including the District Head of Basic Education of Bouroum, Salif Ouédraogo, and several local economic operators. Their contributions, along with those of other community members, were instrumental in the event’s success.

Each participant in the tournament received an award, with the victorious Barça FC team being awarded a gold medal, a trophy, a ball, and a set of jerseys, marking their achievement in this inaugural event. The presence of the provincial director of sports and leisure, traders, and members of AASAM was particularly noted, reflecting the community’s strong support for the tournament and its objectives.

Harouna Ilboudo’s vision for the future of football in the region, coupled with the encouragement from Rasmané Ouédraogo and the active involvement of the community, sets a promising foundation for the Malouda Espoir tournament’s continued success and its role in nurturing the next generation of football talent in Burkina Faso.