Kaluluini FC and Ikalaasa Queens are the 2023 champions in the just concluded Governor Wavinya Cup played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Ikalaasa Queens beat their rivals, Athiriver Starlets 3-2 in penalty shootouts after drawing 1-1 in normal time to walk home with the coveted sh 1 million prize.
A similar amount was pocketed by Kaluluini FC from Yatta Sub-County, who thrashed Mavoko Youth 2-1 in a thrilling clash.
Mavoko Youth and Athiriver Starlets walked away with Kshs 500,000 each for securing the second positions for men and women teams respectively.
The countywide tournament, that was launched by governor Wavinya Ndeti in August this year, brought together 640 teams drawn from across the 40 Wards of Machakos County.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Wavinya termed Machakos as an emerging fertile ground for soccer talent.
“I welcome officials from both local and international clubs to scout for talents here in Machakos because as a Government we have seriously invested in talent development,” said Wavinya.
She said the tournament will be an annual event that will focus on exposing talented youth to gainful sporting opportunities.
“We hope to expose our young people to the emerging opportunities in global football even as we help them stay away from destructive vices such as drug abuse and early pregnancies,” the governor said.
The tournament was graced by dignitaries including Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, FKF President, Nick Mwendwa, MCSK CEO, Ezekiel Mutua, and former Harambee Stars tactician Jacob Ghost Mulee.