Kakamega – Young Simba Football Club from Shinyalu Constituency emerged as the champions of the Kakamega Governor’s Cup 2023, securing victory against Maroon Commandoes from Khwisero with a decisive goal in the finals held at Bukhungu Stadium.
According to Kenya News Agency, The club clinched the KSh.2 million cash prize after an intense match against Maroon Commandoes, a game that was also attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as per reports. Young Simba FC’s remarkable performance included maintaining a clean sheet throughout the tournament. This defensive prowess led to their goalkeeper, Innocent Ligogo, being named the best keeper of the competition.
Maroon Commandoes, the first runners-up, received Sh1.5 million, while Buchifi Youth, the second runner-up, were awarded Sh1 million. The 3rd runner-up, Butali, earned Sh500,000. These awards were presented during the final matches at Bukhungu Stadium, with a group of leaders in attendance, including ODM Leader Raila Odinga.
In the Soccer Girls category, Luandeti Girls were crowned champions, receiving Ksh1 million after defeating Duka Queens, who took home Sh750,000. Awards were also given to Mulembe Central Girls and Kakamega Starlets, the second and third runners-up in the tournament, respectively.
The county government allocated a total of Sh 10 million for awards in the Governor’s Cup, benefiting boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, netball girls, and volleyball teams for both boys and girls.
In volleyball, King’s volleyball team won the men’s category with a prize of Sh 500,000, followed by Munyinya boys who received Sh 250,000. Namudira Queens triumphed in the volleyball girls category, also winning Sh 500,000, with Malava starlets as runners-up earning Sh 250,000.
Shirotsa Girls were declared netball champions in the Kakamega Governors Cup and awarded Sh500,000. Additional cash awards were presented to teams in ward-level and sub-county-level finals.
Governor Fernandes Barasa highlighted Kakamega County’s status as a soccer hub, commending the participating teams for their excellent performances. Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized the unifying impact of the Governor’s Cup and called for increased funding for youth development by both National and County governments.
The Chief Guest, Raila Odinga, lauded Kakamega as a cradle of soccer talent, producing top local and international football players. He noted the importance of tournaments like the Governor’s Cup in nurturing football talent and providing income opportunities for the youth. Odinga also urged the National Government to support the County Government of Kakamega in completing Bukhungu Stadium to facilitate hosting international matches.
