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Kenya Police FC CEO Chris Oguso has given a rallying call for more investments in local football from cooperates in the country.

Speaking at the Chavavo Grounds, Vihiga County during the annual Chris Oguso Tournament that entered its 13^th year since inception, Oguso noted that there is a need for sponsorships especially for local teams or tournaments at the upcountry levels as far as identification and nurturing of sporting talents is concerned.

“We have witnessed massive talents during this Annual Chris Oguso Tournament, we appreciate the support that we have received from Betika and I would like to rally other cooperates to follow that example and support grassroots football talents. If we have managed to propel several players up to the Kenya Premier League, what about if more sponsors borrow the leaf and give back to the communities; then how many talents would we see going to the top?, this is the way to go in nurturing talents and giving the local player an opportunity to be seen and to be scouted,” Oguso said.

His sentiments were echoed by Betika Senior Brand Meister Eric Mwiti who was also present at the finals.

“We thank all the supporters and everybody who has taken part in this tournament, it is encouraging to see the boys and girls give a good show here through their talents. Let us continue with the great initiative of nurturing grassroots talents.”

Chavavo thrashed former champions Red Bees 2-1 in the boys to claim the championships.

Two first-half goals from Derrick Madiga (16) and Udercious Mulama (24) powered home team Chavavo to a maiden victory that saw their fans go into absolute delirium in celebrations. The consolation goal for Red Bees was netted by Amos Kigadi in the seventh minute of the opening half.

A brilliant Mulama who was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player expressed his delight of emerging the champions and further conveyed his desire to play in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

“I am so happy for my teammates and the technical bench, for sure it was not an easy task but we fought our way for the win and it feels so nice. I am also grateful for this tournament, it has given a chance to the local players and we hope that we get the opportunity to play in the Kenyan Premier soon,” he said.

In the Girls’ final, a flawless Madira United thrashed Itabalia Ladies 2-0 to clinch the title. Faith Atieno capitalized on Itabalia’s defence lapse to lash home the open from a close range in the 58^th minute of the match.

Five minutes before the end of the regulation time, a calm Rebecca Kwoba extended the lead for Madira from a spot kick after Ann Brenda was fouled by Itabalia goalkeeper Shailah Shabuya.

Madira United head coach Francis Muhambe praised his charges for the great fight that gave them the title for the first time following the victory.

“We knew it would be a tough game for us and that is what we faced, we had a difficult quarterfinal and that really helped us psychologically to approach the final. The girls played well especially in the second half, in the first half we were a bit cautious since we had a defensive plan. After all, I am glad that we emerged victorious to take the trophy home. I would like to appreciate the tournament organizer Chris Oguso and the sponsors for this noble gesture of giving back to the community and ensuring continued talent development,” coach Muhambe told People Sports.

Chavavo pocketed a whooping Kshs 300,000 while Madira United took home Kshs. 200,000 plus a trophy and medals. Itabalia Ladies got a consolation of Kshs 75,000 for finishing in second position. All the participating teams were kitted with uniforms and match balls.

The tournament that attracted a huge crowd in Vihiga and neighbouring counties has been sponsored by giant gaming firm Betika.

Girls’ Awards

Best Goalkeeper -Melly Achieng – Madira United

Top Scorer -Charity Midewa – Madira United

Most Valuable Player- Norah Anne – Itabalia Ladies

Boys’ Awards

Best Goalkeeper – Innocent Lihasi – Chavavo FC

Top scorer – Charles Situma – Baya FC

Most Valuable Player – Udercious Mulama – Chavavo FC