Youth football comes alive in Eastleigh as Fazam Academy clinches Moi Cup title

As the festive season approaches, football once again takes centre stage in Eastleigh, where holiday tournaments have become a long-standing tradition for the area’s budding talents.

Among the early participants this year is Fazam Academy, whose youth teams have already stepped into competitive action, most notably at the recently concluded Moi Cup held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Fazam’s U9 side produced the standout performance of the two-day tournament, claiming the championship after an impressive run that ended with a 2–0 victory over St Emmanuel in the final.

Their triumph added to a growing reputation for the academy, whose structured youth training has begun yielding tangible results.

While the U9 stole the spotlight, the academy’s other teams were also in action. Fazam U11 coach Eric Mugola described a mixed outing for his side, highlighting the challenges the players faced in the tightly scheduled competition.

“The boys were excited because we had prepared for two months,” Mugola said. “The only problem was time. The matches were short, and the pitch size wasn’t ideal. On the first day, we won two and lost one. Day two was knockout football: win and advance, lose and go home. We didn’t go as far as we wanted, but reaching the League Cup semis and taking bronze was a big moment for us. As a young coach, that silver medal is something I’m proud of.”

Mugola believes the experience will serve his team well as they gear up for more tournaments during the holiday period.

The U9 coach, Philip Odhiambo, was equally pleased after guiding his team through nine matches en route to the title. He credited teamwork but singled out a few key performers.

“Charles really held the midfield together and contributed to most of the goals,” he said. “But I also had Hamza and young Kibet, who were exceptional.”

Kibet, a defensive midfielder, caught the attention of the Eastleigh Voice during a training session. His technique, awareness and ball control stood out despite his age, and Odhiambo described him as a rare talent.

“Kibet is disciplined and knows what he wants,” the coach explained. “He challenges me as a coach. He comes to training with new skills he wants to try. His focus lifts the rest of the team.”

Asked what it takes to develop players so young, Odhiambo emphasised the basics, which are patience, role clarity and repetition.

“It’s about teaching them positioning and rotation, helping them understand what to do on the pitch. It takes a lot on the training ground, but these kids are willing to learn.”

The coach also acknowledged the critical role of parents and the academy’s management in nurturing the next generation of players.

“Parents bring these kids every day. They’re the reason we’re here,” he said. “And the management supports football through in-house competitions like the Mashujaa Cup. When kids win awards or incentives, they get motivated even more.”

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Odhiambo encouraged parents in Eastleigh to expose their children to sport, not just football, arguing that early involvement shapes more than talent.

“It helps them grow socially. They learn how to relate to people and handle themselves. Talent pays, but the lessons they learn here matter just as much.”

With more tournaments expected across the December holidays, Fazam Academy’s early performances signal a lively football season for Eastleigh’s youth. The academy will now look to build on its momentum as grassroots football continues to thrive in one of Nairobi’s most football-obsessed neighbourhoods.