Heavyweights Pumwani face Eastleigh South in Sakaja Super Cup Kamukunji Sub County Finals

Kamukunji is poised for an epic clash today as Eastleigh South United takes on 2023 Koth Biro Cup champions Pumwani Sports Club in the Sakaja Super Cup Sub County finals.

The highly anticipated match, scheduled for 2 pm local time at Makongeni Ground, will bring together two formidable teams that have demonstrated their prowess in the previous tournaments in Nairobi. Pumwani emerged victorious over rivals Kingston from Shauri Moyo in the 2023 Koth Biro edition, securing the title with a 2-0 victory at the Ziwani grounds on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The Makongeni Ground will also serve as the stage for three other sub-county final fixtures: The early 10 am game sees Makadara Youth take on Michezo Halisi, as Bromley FC tackle Real Soweto FC at midday. FC Creative Hands welcome Mukuru Combined in the evening fixture (4pm).

Makadara Youth take on Michezo Halisi, Bromley FC face Real Soweto FC as FC Creative Hands welcome Mukuru Combined (Picture: Sakaja Super Cup/ Twitter)

A total of 340 teams, and thousands of youths, drawn from all 17 Sub Counties in Nairobi registered to take part in the first edition of the Sakaja Super Cup football tournament which kicked off on September 30, 2023.

With the grand finale slated for December 16, 2023, Sakaja pledged unwavering support for youth engagement in sports. The Sakaja Foundation, the organizer of the three-month tournament, will extend its support beyond football to encompass all sporting activities within the county.

“This is a dream come true, and I want to assure all youths in Nairobi that I will champion sports across various disciplines, ensuring that our talented youth have ample opportunities to pursue their passion and potentially make a living from it,” Sakaja stated.

The Nairobi Governor, during an address on September 27, 2023, emphasised the involvement of scouts to identify talented players. Those fortunate enough to secure opportunities for trials abroad will receive financial assistance to facilitate their travel, allowing them to pursue career advancement in football.

“I pledge to work tirelessly to support sports at all levels, recognizing the immense talent our youth possess, which has the power to transform their lives. I am confident that thousands of youths will benefit from this tournament, and the Sakaja Foundation will continue to champion other sports beyond football,” he added.

The winners will walk away with a substantial prize of Sh3 million, while the runners-up and third-place teams will receive Sh2 million and Sh1 million respectively.

Tournament director Osman Khalif highlighted the generous prize pool allocated by the Sakaja Foundation. The ladies category, individual standout performers, and the most decorated and organised fan bases will also be rewarded financially.

“This cup is organised by the Sakaja Foundation, established in October 2017, and we are committed to offering highly competitive prizes for the winners. I urge all teams to prepare for an intense battle,” Osman remarked.

The tournament draw, conducted on September 27, 2023, was witnessed by Nairobi County Government officials, including the Nairobi City County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Talent, Skills Development and Care Rosemary Kariuki, County Executive Committee Member for Mobility and Works Brian Mulama, talent, skills development and care Chief Officer Brian Mulama, and other top county government representatives.

Also present were FKF deputy president Doris Petra, FKF CEO Barry Otieno, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, and a host of former Harambee Stars players, including Musa Otieno and Dennis Oliech.