By Horizonnews Reporter
Deep in Chwele-Kabuchai ward of Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma county, a football match is on. The scorching early afternoon sun and dusty grounds not-withstanding.
The whirl winds sweep over the thirsty make-shift football pitch. Dry twigs and leaves soar high, threatening the survival of the only opportunity to score, before the final whistle.
“Gooooaaaal” the sizeable crowd roars, celebrating the only goal that afternoon.
As Umoja FC players joined Abraham Wekesa in celebrating the lone goal, the winds too join in the dance. His celebration, as the man of the moment, has to be cut short as his team mates scamper for safety.
The strong winds pull through the torn net. Perhaps a testament of the survival the players have to go through to make it to the limelight. It looks to many as a friendly match, until he disclosed that it is an 11-aside, to test their muscles before a match that weekend.
“My dream is to join a national team, where I will not only showcase my prowess but also earna living from my talent, ” he gasps, recollecting moments before the victory and more that he has had before.
Born in Namirama village and schooled at Namirama Primary school, Wekesa’s star is among many that remain unnoticeable. Formerly at Bukembe High School, the 19 year old knows too well how tight competition, bribery and lack of training facilities have always dimmed his chances to reach his potential.
We chat a little more before he joins the rest of the team back to the field for more practice. His is optimistic that with more practice and training, he, among many from the area, will surely bring more glory to this country’s football talent.
His sentiments are echoed by Gerry Wayong’o the Captain of Mabanga FC. The team is preparing to play against the Madisi FC at the Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament this Saturday at Khachonge Stadium.
“We rarely have opportunities to practise and showcase our talents while in primary school. The only chances we have is when playing for a secondary school, that seldomly exposes us unless it’s an extra county or national school that can afford to sustain a team through the tough competition.”
Wayong’o’s team has never had an opportunity to host the match at their home ground in Mabanga given the uneven grounds and poor infrastructure at Mabanga Primary. Their away matches, since the tournament begun in November, have eaten into their meagre resource as they have to foot their fres and luches.
“We covet being registered by a league, this way we can get support and even be singled out for individuals who can sponsor us.
“So far, we are glad that we were selected to take part in this tournament among many. The management of the tournament has been good and all the 24 teams who took part have full kits: uniforms, balls, first aid kits and shoes,” added ha Captain.
Wayong’o is glad that three of his team members have already been approached by couches from other teams, and will be transitioning to support their new teams once the tournament is over.
“We are inviting funs and coaches to turn up in large numbers to witness our game on Saturday. The team is read and have maintained a high standard of discipline, that comes in handy, in talent scouting.
He clinches on to his rusty pair of soccer shoes. The golden feet slip back to his plastic sandals before he heads home. He is careful not to waste the only pair of shoes.
The young men are part of the teams battling it out for the Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament, under the leadership of Coordinator Caxton Simiyu.
“Each of the four wards in Kabuchai Constituency had an opportunity to produce two teams who joined in the quarter finals last weekend. We have now zeroed down to Mabanga FC, Madisi FC, Mukuyuni FC and Milimani FC playing in the finals this weekend.
“This tournament will be crowned on 31st December, when we will play the final and award winners of various categories among them the best player, goalkeeper, midfielder, defender and Captain.
“We are also looking to creating a team that we propose to call Kabuchai All-Stars team, out of this competition,” adds Caxton Simiyu, who has been coordinating the matches.
The soccer tournament took off with a bang on November 1, this year with a match at Nalondo Stadium. The matches have brought together over 4teams, all eager to showcase their skills and claim the top prize of Shs.50, 000.
In a show of commitment to nurturing local talent, Dr. Juma Mukhwana provided full uniforms and balls, as well as first aid kits, to all participating teams.
“The teams have been resilient in their performance with their eyes on the grand prize. The runners-up will get Shs. 30, 000, 2nd runners-up Shs.20, 000, 3rd runners-up Shs.10, 000,” noted Caxton, adding that loosers at constituency and quarter finals will each receive Shs.10, 000 while those who have already been eliminated at Ward level will each get Shs.5, 000, among other awards for participating.
This inclusive tournament has successfully united youths from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition. As the tournament progresses to the finals, excitement is building.
Dr. Mukhwana, who resides from the area and is currently serving as the Principal Secretary for Industry has always been passionate about empowering youth and promoting sports development in his community, recognizing the potential of sports to unite and inspire his community.
“The primary objective of Dr. Mukhwana’s Tournament is to promote sports development, foster unity and provide a platform for youth to showcase their talents. By organizing this tournament, we aim to harness the energy and enthusiasm of our young people, channeling it towards positive pursuits and community building,” notes the PS.
Through various other initiatives spearheaded by Juma Mukhwana Foundation, the Industry guru hopes to also bridge the divide in education through sponsorship to most of the players who are currently at various levels of their secondary and tertiary education.
“All we are looking at is how we can bringout the best from these young men and women and hold their hands through to local and international opportunities, ” adds Dr. Mukhwana, whose foundation is also mentoring girls, undertaking tree growing initiatives and building houses fir the less fortunate in the Constituency.
