Former Thika Queens striker Phoebe Ndege has sponsored a football tournament to give back to the Siaya community.Born and bred in Siaya County, Alego Usonga Sub-County, Township Ward, Phoebe, who’s now an electrical engineer in the US, started her football career at Awelo Primary School.“There couldn’t have been a better way to say thank you to the people who molded and gave me an opportunity to explore my football career.“Whatever I have achieved so far in my career, I owe it to my people,” Ndege, who played for Thika Queens, now Kenya Police Bullets, told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_7759435##The tournament that started on Saturday morning across five grounds spread within the Township comprises 12 men’s and 8 women’s teams.In some of the games already played, firm favorites Rabango FC thumped Black Arrows 4-0 in their opening Group A game at Awelo Primary School.Rabango were more brutal in their second fixture of the day, annihilating Kuare FC 9-0.Kilimo FC were awarded a walkover with three points and two goals after Kuare Young Stars showed up late for the first fixture of the morning at Awelo.Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada thanks community for supportThe same fate befell Kababa, who arrived late for their match against Jua Kali at Karapul Primary School.Arrows were unfortunate again against a thirsty Kilimo FC who beat 3-0 in their second fixture of the afternoon at Awelo Primary School.Each of the participating teams are assured of a ball and a set of playing kits.The winner on the men’s side will walk home with a tidy sum of Ksh 40,000 and a trophy, while the winners on the women’s side will go home with Ksh 20,000 and a trophy.Ndege captained Sega Girls from Siaya County, then a little-known school in football circles, to winning the 2010 national secondary school games, their first and last title to date. She was voted the best midfielder in the campaign.Meet City Stars midfielder with a big heart for the less fortunate in the societyIf resources allow, she intends to host the tournament twice a year.“We’re already engaging partners, and hopefully we’ll have more resources in the future to host the tournament twice a year,” Ndege said.Residents of the Township can enjoy free medical, including dental, services during the ongoing tournament at Awelo Primary School.
