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The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ababu Namwamba has received massive laudation from Uganda legislator Adidwa Abdu Bulldozer for his efforts to take local sports to greater heights.

The Member of Parliament for Bukooli South County in Namayingo District commended CS Ababu’s works in driving the Sports agenda in the country for the realisation of set objectives in creating employment and attaining success in global arenas.

“Minister Ababu is somebody I really admire because of the way he does his job.He is a man who is keen on details and eager to succeed no matter the obstacles ahead of him.I am impressed on how he has brought life in Kenyan sporting scene and I am sure the citizens will start seeing fruits of his efforts soon or later.This Talanta Hela program is indeed a great initiative that will ensure talent development and success in various sporting disciplines in the world and with the needed support from all the stakeholders it will work wonders for Kenya,” Adidwa said.

The vocal MP was speaking during the finals of the Cabinet Secretary’s Trophy that was organised by the Ababu Namwamba Foundation at the Siagonjo Grounds in Budalangi Constituency,Busia County.

On his parts CS Ababu Namwamba expressed optimism in the talent spotting,nurturing and development plan in the country through the flagship program of Talanta Hela initiative.

The CS reiterated the robust plan to achieve set objectives in the growth of football in the country from the grassroot levels.

“We have just witnessed the fruits of investing in grassroots talents.The boys and girls have expressed themselves well on the pitch and we are all proud of them.This is surely the future of our game and we intend to this in the entire country as we endeavour to propel our game greater heights.

“Kenya is in good place and we are ready to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.We will deliver AFCON in a greater way.We are in top gear in refurbishing and building the infrastructure needed,” Ababu said.

Ababu further noted that apart from building the stadia,the ministry is also keen in creating a formidable Harambee Stars team that will represent Kenya during the 2027 continental football bonanza that is coming home to the East Africa for the first time.

“Apart from building infrastructure,we want to build a youthful team that will be ready for the AFCON in 2027.We have embarked on a deliberate,structured and robust program of talent spotting,nurturing and development.This is the way to go in ensuring that Kenya achieves the dream of qualifying to the World Cup in 2030 and competing regularly in the Africa Cup of Nations.We will revive Kenyan sports through our legends.”

Matayos Sub County team carried the day after defeating Funyula 5-3 through post match penalties at a the charged Siagonjo Stadium.

The second game saw Busia Elite team emerge victorious (6-5) against Harambee Starlets U20 also through post match penalties in an exhibition game.

Kenya Junior Stars (U20) also went down fighting 2-1 against Busia Combined in a game that proved Busia as one of Kenya’s football talent hubs based on the superb display that was paraded by the hosts.

For emerging victorious,Matayos Sub County team walked home with a whooping ksh 250,000,a beautiful trophy and medals.

Funyula received a consolation cash reward of ksh 200,000 while Teso South Sub-County earned ksh 100,000 for finishing in third position.

The other Sub Counties of Teso North, Butula,Bunyala and Nambala were awarded with ksh 50,000 each.

The event which was beamed live by the national broadcaster was also attended by some of the local football icons such as Robert Matano,Musa Otieno,Allan Wanga,Francis Chinjili amongst others.