Outstanding players in the second edition of the Sakaja Super Cup will be roped into National Super League side Nairobi United or be absorbed into the club’s academy. The tournament will be curtain-raised by the clash pitting holders Githurai All Stars against Dandora United on Saturday at Dandora Stadium. The rest of the fixtures will be played from Mashujaa Day offering players a chance to secure a slot in the second-tier side that is under the Johnson Sakaja Foundation. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash, Sakaja expressed optimism of a more successful tournament and players graduating from street football to the second tier. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8424455## “We are thrilled to bring back this tournament for the second time. It’s an opportunity to unite communities, nurture talent, and celebrate our shared love for the beautiful game. We expect even more electrifying football this year,” he said. Githurai All-Stars, from Githurai 45 in Roysambu Sub-County, emerged victorious in the inaugural Sakaja Cup 2023.They claimed a thrilling 6-5 win in post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate during normal regulation and extra time against Starehe Sub-County’s Kawasaki FC of Landi Mawe to earn Kshs 3 million winner’s cash prize.Harambee Stars defender urges Nigeria to stop gamesmanship against visiting teamsMakadara-based Michezo Halisi Kenya outclassed Slum Scorers from Mathare 4-2 in the women’s competition third place play-off match to win a Sh250,000 cash prize.In the men’s third-place play-off, Victor’s Faith FC from Kasarani defeated Kibagare Slums FC from Westlands in a terse penalty shootout, winning 8-7.The best fan base was not left out. They were rewarded Sh300,000, Sh200,000, and Sh100,000 for the first, second and third places respectively.A total of 300 men’s and 34 ladies’ teams participated in the tournament, with 20 men’s and 2 ladies’ teams representing each Sub-County.Kenyan midfielder hoping to complete move to Sweden this monthThe tournament sponsored by the Sakaja Foundation in partnership with the Nairobi City County government and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was played in all 85 wards in Nairobi with 340 teams taking part.Nairobi United, commonly known as the Naibois, will be seeking automatic promotion to the top tier having missed it by a whisker last season.
