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Edwin Otieno

Nairobi regional league side Melta Kabiria FC were crowned winners of the first edition of the Francis Thairu Cup at the weekend after they beat rivals Classic FC 4-1 in a thrilling final match at the Riruta Stadium in Kawangware.

Melta Kabiria’s goalgetter Javan Mukoya, who won the golden boot award, had a hat trick in the team’s win against Classic FC.

The champions took home Sh50,000 with the runners-up settling for Sh30,000.

The tournament attracted eight teams from Dagoretti, Kangemi and parts of Kikuyu, including: Classic FC, Kawangware United, Kawangware Allstars, Team Red, Kipaji FC, Kabiro Youth and Mainstream FC.

City Star striker

Ardent fans, who thronged Riruta Stadium to cheer on their teams, praised organisers for honouring the legendary former World Hope and Nairobi City Stars striker Francis Thairu with a befitting tournament that will go down as a respectable tribute to a man who has laboured all his life for the game.

Speaking when he flagged off the final match, Thairu who remains the top scorer for Nairobi City Stars to date, was full of praise for the event sponsors Betsafe saying: “This is a fantastic way to honour me for my commitment during my time as an active football player and now as a coach.

I would want to thank Betsafe and the local community for this. I am more than happy.”