Kianyaga Rising FC has been crowned as the winner of the Governor Anne Waiguru’s Ksh.1.5 million grand prize football tournament.
The team from Baragwi Ward worn the 10-months long tournament in a nail-biting showdown at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea constituency after beating Kiamaina FC of Mutira Ward 1–0.
Kianyaga Rising was awarded the grand prize for season two of the tournament on Jamhuri day by Waiguru before a crowd of about 5000 spectators.
The team’s defining moment came on the 50th minute when Ericson Magu broke the deadlock with a precise finish that sealed its win.
Despite Kiamaina FC’s relentless pressure and a spirited fight that kept fans on edge, the final whistle saw the team earn Ksh.1 million for finishing second.
Dennis Kariuki, the captain of Kianyaga FC, could not hide his excitement. Beaming with pride, he said the victory was well deserved, noting that it was the result of months of sacrifice and unwavering focus.
“I want to thank the Governor for giving us an opportunity to showcase our talent. This a well-deserved win for my team,” he said.
Dennis Munene, the captain of Kiamaina FC, said his team had played an excellent match and accepted the outcome with grace.
“In every game, there must be a winner and one that falls short. There is always next time and we are hopeful we will lift the trophy next season,” said Munene.
Munene added that the tournament has kept many young people away from alcohol and other drugs and he urged the Governor to sustain the initiative and continue believing in the youth.
Kaitheri FC from Kerugoya Ward emerged third after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Kiburu FC from Mukure Ward. With the match tied 2–2 at full time, the referee called for penalties, culminating in Kaitheri winning on the ninth decisive spot-kick to secure Ksh.750,000, while Kiburu FC settled for Sh500,000 prize money.
In women’s category, Lakers Queens FC from Murinduko ward beat Kiaga Queens FC from Kanyekiine ward 4–1 to walk away with Ksh.500,000 women’s grand prize.
The victory was powered by goals scored at the 42nd, 60th, 75th, and 87th minutes by Damaris Wangige and Captain Yvonne Gichobi.
Governor Waiguru said the tournament has been designed to nurture talent from the grassroots, with clubs competing from the ward level all the way to today’s county finals.
This year’s tournament brought together 180 teams, 160 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams, from all 20 wards, engaging over 4,500 youth directly.
“Beyond sport, the tournament has served as a powerful platform for creating awareness on drug and substance abuse, helping our young people embrace positive and productive lifestyles,” she said.
The tournament held under the theme “Fomu ni Futaa Badala ya Kamnyweso” has increased cash awards from KSh 7.24 million in Season I to KSh 7.73 million. The league also had winners all the way from ward level, pool levels, county level and to the finals.
Since the start of the initiative, several players have been scouted and invited to join high-profile clubs, including AFC Leopards. Fortune Sacco FC (NSL), Mwea United FC, Jumbo T FC, and Kirinyaga Stars.
“Among these success stories is our very own Elias Mugane, who was scouted by Fortune Sacco while playing at the grassroots and has this year made a remarkable transition into the Kenya Premier League through AFC Leopards,” Waiguru added.
