The Ministry of Sports will fund Kenya’s Football Grannies for their maiden international tournament in South Africa, set to run from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 April.Based in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, the Football Grannies have captured national attention since their formation last year.Comprising players aged between 52 and 75, the team is redefining perceptions of age in sports while promoting active and healthy living among elderly women in their communities.##NAJAVA_MECA_8779943##On Friday evening, Principal Secretary for Sports Peter Tum attended the team’s exhibition match at Mutei Primary School in Uasin Gishu County.He lauded their role in transforming communities through sports and breaking age barriers, pledging full government support for their training and upcoming tournament in South Africa.“Mutei Grannies FC’s story is an inspiration to all generations. True champions are measured not by age but by heart. Congratulations, and continue inspiring the next generation of athletes,” remarked Tum.##NAJAVA_MECA_8780719##“As the team prepares for their upcoming engagement in South Africa, the government commits to facilitating their participation, in line with President William Ruto’s agenda, which prioritizes sports as a driver of social and economic transformation,” said PS Tum, as he handed over the team’s registration certificate and playing kits.Kenyan grandmothers set to compete in South AfricaThe team’s patron, Elizabeth Keitany, expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support, which includes official recognition, sports equipment, and facilitation for their debut international tournament.“We never anticipated how big this would become in our communities. Going to South Africa is a dream come true for players who never imagined representing Kenya abroad. The Ministry’s support proves that talent has no age limit,” said Keitany.Kenya’s delegation will include 22 players and eight officials.“Many doubted us when we started training, calling it a waste of time. But we thank God—now we see the light. It’s slowly sinking in that we are heading for greater heights,” said team captain Gertrude Kipyegon.Why Mohammed Bajaber foresees ‘bright future’ under Benni McCarthyThe tournament, organized by the Beka Ntsanwisi Foundation and the Vakhegula Football Club, will be held in Nkowankowa, Limpopo, featuring 32 teams from Kenya, the USA, France, Togo, Zambia, Mozambique, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.The first-ever grannies’ football tournament took place in 2023.
