Kisumu City Stars clinched the regional title at the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba contest in Kisumu on 22nd September, 2024, opening a new world of opportunities for the team. After a series of intense matches at the Moi Stadium, the team beat rivals to secure entry into the coveted nationwide competition.
The tournament kicked off with a challenging pace for Kisumu City Stars, who initially struggled to find their footing. However, their determination was unmistakable in the semi-finals, where they delivered a decisive 3-0 victory over Sparks FC. The win set the stage for a nail-biting final against Kisumu Greenlands, a formidable adversary who earlier drew against Mawego FC.
In a match filled with anticipation and fervour, Njera Odoyo’s first-half goal was a game-changer, giving Kisumu City Stars a seven-point lead and eventual victory. “It feels great to win the tournament,” said Tonnington Atinga, the captain of Kisumu City Stars. “I am proud of the players. The quality of play was good, and we felt challenged by the competitiveness brought by other teams.”
The win not only advances Kisumu City Stars in the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba nationwide tournament but also secures them a vital sponsorship. The club, which relies heavily on support from well-wishers, has been awarded an annual football sponsorship worth Ksh250,000 for the next three years, along with essential home and away kits.
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“This sponsorship is a welcome addition to our resource base which will go a long way in motivating and helping the team to meet fixture obligations and the welfare of players,” said Dominic Mala, CEO of Kisumu City Stars, praising Tujiamini Initiative’s commitment to elevating grassroots sports talent.
The event also spotlighted women’s sports, with Mercy Kabui from SportPesa emphasizing the importance of increased women participation. “We have faced challenges with low female participation in previous Cheza Dimba tournaments. We intend to grow this in the coming months and encourage entries from all interested women clubs in South Rift, the next region of focus for the Tujiamini Initiative,” Kabui stated.
In the women’s exhibition matches, Uhola Queens claimed victory with a 1-0 win over Warembo All Stars, earning them Ksh50,000 and new playing kits. Vanessa Atieno’s goal proved decisive, showcasing the growing talent and enthusiasm in women’s football.
As the Tujiamini initiative by the leading online gaming company moves to the South Rift region, excitement builds with ongoing applications for the next round of competitions closing at the end of the month. The continued success of the sports initiative highlights the transformative power of sports in fostering community spirit and nurturing talent across Kenya.
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