Butula Starlets are the new champions of the ‘Cheza Ball Zuia Ball’ football tournament sponsored by the NGAAF-Busia after edging out Chakol Queens from Teso South 5-4 on penalties in an entertaining game played at Malaba Stadium on Sunday.
After 90 minutes of a barren draw, the match had to be decided from the spot where the unbeaten Butula Starlets from ward level managed to convert all 5 penalty kicks while one spot for Chakol Queens went wide, throwing Butula into a frenzy of celebration.
The tournament which was organized by Busia Woman Rep Catherine Omanyo had attracted 64 teams across the 35 wards where one team was selected to represent each sub-county.
Omanyo said the tournament was organized to sensitize the communities in Busia about the effects of gender-based violence which has derailed development denying women empowerment opportunities.
“This tournament was timely, especially when students are on holiday to enlighten the society against GBV that has dragged our society behind and curtailed an opportunity to empower women,” noted Omanyo.
The legislator added that, “We are using sports to reach out to men with the message they should give time to our girls to complete their studies hence the slogan, ‘Cheza ball, zuia ball’.”
Butula started off the finals well thrashing Matayos 2-0 before they eliminated host Aboloi FC from Teso North 1-0 to book a slot in the finals.
Aboloi FC who recovered from the defeat went past Matayos with 1-0 win to secure a chance to play in the runners-up.
In the other pool, Soccer Sisters from Funyula thrashed overhyped Mungatsi FC from Nambale 2-0 to book a place in the semi-final.
In an opening match of group A, Chakol Queens showcased their experience hammering Budalangi queens 2-0. Chakol, who play in the FKF women’s league, were in a class of their own.
In the semi-final match between Soccer Sisters and Chakol Queens it was all level after 90 minutes and it had to be decided from the sport when Chakol Queens’ shot stopper Benda Auma emerged from the woman match saving 3 penalties to help her team reach the final.
About 1 in 5 (21%) of girls aged 15-19 years in Busia County have begun childbearing which is significantly higher than the national trend of 18 percent.
Butula Starlet Captain Sheila Adongo attributed their success to hard work, discipline, and support from their parents allowing them to train daily while on holiday.
“We have been training together and I think that cohesion and discipline has contributed to the team’s success,” noted Adongo.
The sentiment was echoed by Soccer Sister Head coach Doreen Akinyi who challenged other leaders in the county to emulate the same to nurture talents in line with CBC.
All the participating teams received training kits and incentives to boost training and team building on the ground.
By Absalom Namwalo
