NGPU March 26, 2023

Nakuru Town West football tournament ends with a classic final

Written by Mercy Kihugu and James Munyua

The County Government of Nakuru is committed to tapping, developing and nurturing sports talents in the county through the continued staging of different tournaments across the county.

The administration of H.E Susan Kihika has an elaborate plan to grow grassroots sports by identifying raw talents and amplifying them to the national level.

Speaking during the Nakuru Town West football extravaganza finals at Kaptembwa Primary School grounds, Sports CECM Hon Josephine Achieng underscored that through a directive by H.E Susan Kihika at least each sub-county will have a public sports stadium. The lack of playing grounds has been a significant challenge for the players in the County.

The CECM further warned those who have grabbed public land noting the administration will ensure recovery and protection of public utility land and fencing of existing stadia in the county to provide a rehabilitated environment to help in naturing the talents and allow further developments to modern stadia.

The Nakuru Town West Football Extravaganza – 2023 provided a platform for scouting players by the FKF to join the National team and also positively impacted the youths in the sub-county especially in building friendships and cohesion.

During the finals, the Nakuru City Queens team was crowned the football tournament winners in the ladies’ category after thrashing Kaptembwa ladies FC 3-0. Jael Salamo scored twice as Leah Wanjala added one to crown the Queens winners.

Nakuru City Queens Coach, Chrispin Walonga appreciated the platform provided noting it was a huge learning experience for the participating teams.

Walonga further noted that the tournament provided a platform for participating players to be exposed to scouting by national teams.

Even after the defeat Kaptembwa ladies’ Coach was upbeat saying the defeat notwithstanding, the event has offered some valuable lessons to the team going forward.

In the men’s category Society FC won via a penalty shoot-out after the 90 mins match ended in a 1-1 draw proceeding to a penalty shootout beating ASEC FC 5-4.

The CECM was accompanied by CECM Leonard Bor, Chief Officers Sports Stella Mwaura, Office of the Governor Newton Mwaura and Livestock and Fisheries Dr Michael Cheruiyot, among a host of MCAs and FKF officials.