Young Simba Football Club from Shinyalu Constituency lifted the Kakamega Governor’s Cup 2023 trophy when they beat Maroon Commandoes from Khwisero with a goal during the finals at Bukhungu Stadium.
The club scooped the highly contested KSh.2 million cash reward after trouncing Maroon Commandoes during an action field match that was also graced by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Young Simba FC bagged the trophy after maintaining a clean sheet without conceding any goals during the tournament, which saw their goalkeeper, Innocent Ligogo, emerge as the best keeper in the competition.
The Maroon Commandoes, who emerged as the first runners-up, pocketed Sh1.5 million, while the second runner-up, Buchifi Youth, walked away with Sh1 million, and Butali bagged Sh500 000 after emerging as the 3rd runner-up.
The awards were presented by a section of leaders who witnessed the finals at Bukhungu Stadium, led by ODM Leader Raila Odinga.
In Soccer Girls, Luandeti Girls were declared champions, receiving Ksh1 million after trouncing Duka Queens, who were awarded Sh750,000.
The second runner-up Mulembe Central Girls, and the third runner-up, Kakamega Starlets, were also awarded.
The county government has spent a total of Sh 10 million in awards in the Governor’s Cup, which has benefited both boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, netball girls, and volleyball boys and girls.
King’s volleyball team emerged as the champions in the volleyball men’s category, pocketing Sh 500 000, while Munyinya boys came in second, bagging Sh 250 000.
Namudira Queens lifted the volleyball girls trophy with an award of Sh 500 000, as Malava starlets came in second to bag Sh 250 000.
Shirotsa Girls were declared the champions of netball in the Kakamega Governors Cup and awarded Sh500,000.
Other cash awards were presented to teams during the ward-level finals and the sub-county-level finals.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said that Kakamega County is the home of soccer, appreciating all the participating teams for the spirited efforts they showed during the competitions.
Former Kakamega Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya, said the Governor’s Cup has unified Kakamega residents, asking both the National and County governments to allocate more funds towards youth development owing to their large population in the country.
The Chief Guest and ODM Leader, Raila Odinga, described Kakamega as the home of soccer, which has produced the best football players locally who are also playing at international football clubs.
He noted that such tournaments as the Governor’s Cup will help to prepare and nurture footballers and provide opportunities for youth to earn some income.
Odinga asked the National Government to support the County Government of Kakamega in fast-tracking the completion of Bukhungu Stadium to host international matches.
By Moses Wekesa
