Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has launched a countywide football tournament that will see 40 teams battle out for Sh10 million prize money.
The tournament dubbed “Governor’s Cup” commenced two weeks ago and is set to run up to December 15, when the final match will be played and the winners rewarded.
Each Ward will have two teams participating in the competition, with winners proceeding to the Sub-county level that will culminate in the finals to be played at Moi Stadium in Embu Town.
All participating teams will receive a share of the prize money plus equipment, including uniforms and balls, to help promote and develop grassroots football.
Mbarire, speaking on Tuesday while launching the tournament at Moi Stadium, reported that the tourney will be an annual event that will play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing young talents.
“Out of this tournament, I believe we will have a strong team that we can push to the next level of football in the nation,” she said.
Currently, the county has one team, 3K FC, participating in the National Super League this season after emerging victorious in the Division One Zone A League early this year.
“With the motivation we have gotten from 3K FC, I believe we can have more teams taking part in top-flight leagues in the country with the right focus and investment,” she said.
The governor also said her administration is also focusing on developing and improving football infrastructure, including stadiums and fields across the county, to promote football.
Some of the playing fields earmarked for rehabilitation, according to the governor, include Runyenjes, Ishiara, Umau, Kairuri, and Nembure.
She added that they will be working closely with ward reps to level primary school grounds to make them playable to nurture young talents right from the grassroots level.
By Samuel Waititu
