A group of former and current Harambee Starlets players as well as Kenyan women’s football loyalists have partnered to host an annual football tournament in Siaya. This year’s edition saw Siaya Queens and Greenlands crowned women’s and men’s champions respectively in the event dubbed ‘Nyadhi Annual Tournament’, held at the Nyadhi community Grounds in Alego Siaya on 26 December. Four women’s teams and as many in the men’s category took part in the extravaganza themed Strengthening community bonds through football. Here we go! CS Ababu Namwamba announces the return of Superport to Kenyan footballAimed at championing gender equality, the tournament incorporated the women’s category for the first time ever through the women footballer’s initiative named ‘Charity Begins at Home’ “We are grateful for this thoughtful and timely initiative by the event organisers. Siaya women has landed a powerful approach to mentorship. The girls were pleased to meet others who have excelled through football. This is something we have just been dreaming of but they have made it a reality,” offered James Ahela, chairperson Siaya Starlets. In attendance were professional footballers among them Terry Engesha of Hyundai Steel in South Korea and Enez Mango who plies her trade in Romania for Farul Constanta. Alongside other national team players and women in sports administration who graced the tournament as mentors and facilitators, they played an exhibition match against a select team from Siaya. The group of women footballers is looking to leverage of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for gender equality. Climate action was also realized during the action-packed event. A tree-planting session involving the area chief rallied other community members to carry out the activity. “In the words of Nelson Mandela, sport has the power to change the world. I am impressed with how we teamed up as young change makers to transform our community through football; by championing for gender equality and advocating for climate action through mentorship, tree planting and football tournament. The collaborative aspects of women in football and the like-minded organization made it possible to organize the Nyadhi Annual Tournament that incorporated girls and young women for the first time since 1980s. The initiative dubbed ‘Charity Begins at Home’ is a powerful name and message that all young people should put in mind as they go about their lives. Let us all join hands to support such initiatives geared towards transforming our communities positively,” Janet Motah, Sport for Development ambassador in Kenya said. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6911585##Sports for Greener Environment Founder and Director Victor Ashinga through their partnership with the Kenya Forest Service saw the community plant 200 trees on the day.“We can only amplify the advocacy on climate action by ensuring we commit the call to action. The tournament has been part of the action through sports, by developing one of the strategies to accelerating actionable ways through tree planting for a sustainable environment,” he explained. The tournament’s coordinator Jacob Oganga who is also a former football coach at Jera Girls appreciated the inclusion of women in the tournament. He also cited that the event brings the community together and acts as a springboard for talented players.“The tournament has been a breeding ground for talented players for decades. Some of the players who were scouted at an early age while playing in the tournament include Police FC Striker David Odhiambo and Edgar Nzano, formerly of Nzoia Sugar,” Oganga concluded. Individual AwardsTop scorer – Benta Akinyi (Siaya Queens) awarded by Terry EngeshaMVP – Vera Achieng (Siaya Starlets) awarded Enez MangoBest Goalkeeper – Jecinta Awuor (Siaya Queens) – Awarded Sophy AkinyiFairplay Player of the Tournament – Catherine Atieno (Nyadhi) awarded by Merceline WayodiMentee of Tournament – Sabina Anyango (Siaya Queens) awarded by Lilian AderaTeam Awards1. Siaya Queens – Trophy, one ball, dignity packs and medals2. Siaya Starlets – Trophy, one ball, Dignity packs3. Nyadhi Ladies – Trophy, Dignity packs and one ball4. Gill Sports – Dignity packs and one ball
