Governor Anne Waiguru’s Minji Minji Football Tournament entered a thrilling stage this weekend as the round of 16 officially began as teams battled to get to the quarter finals.
In one of the matches, Kiamaina FC emerge victorious with a 3-1 win over Jubilee FC, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Team captain Dennis Munene expressed joy over the win and praised the tournament’s impact on youth in the county.
“Today we defeated Jubilee FC from Gichugu and we are very happy that we were able to get 3-1 in our round of 16. We are hopeful that our training and momentum from this game will help us persevere through the next 8 teams and hopefully end up qualifying for the finals and eventually winning the top prize of Ksh. 1.5 million,” said Munene.
Hosted across key venues including the Prisons Grounds, the tournament has become a major avenue for talent development, youth empowerment, and a spirited campaign against drug and substance abuse.
“This tournament has been a blessing to us youth as it has tremendously helped us nurture our talents and kept us motivated,” Munene added.
Despite the loss, Jubilee FC captain Morris Njogu remained hopeful and thanked the county leadership for creating such a vital platform.
“We are disappointed, but this is not the end of our team. We are going to resume training immediately to ensure we are ready for the next tournament,” Njogu said.
In another encounter, Kianyaga FC beat Mutitu FC to proceed to the quarter finals in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Nominated MCA Bosco Gichangi, said the tournament has helped elevate football in the county as more talents emerge.
“I want to congratulate the Department of Sports and most importantly Governor Anne Waiguru for initiating this noble tournament. It has brought people together and given the youth something positive to focus on, helping to reduce drug abuse, alcoholism, and other social vices,” said Gichangi”
County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Dennis Musyimi, said eight teams played their games over this weekend while the rest will have their encounter on Sunday next weekend.
“From here, we move to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the finals. The winner takes home Ksh. 1.5 million, second place Ksh. 1 million, third Ksh. 750,000, and fourth Ksh. 500,000. The teams are excited, and we say, may the best team win,” he said.
