Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
In an exciting day of football that attracted huge numbers for the Eastern leg tournament at Kinoru stadium in Meru County, Ikuu Spider FC walked away with a 3-year, annual sponsorship of Sh250,000 including playing kits with their surprise win.
Their win against the Meru-based team Al-azizia FC who had fought it to the finals, left thousands of Al-aziza’s fans disappointed as their expectations of their team winning were high.
Al-azizia’s formidable dominance witnessed throughout the game caved after a barren result at full time left their fate to penalty shootouts, where they lost 5-4 to the dismay of the fans who had turned up to cheer on, the enterprising side.
The tournament that pits 6 teams from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Machakos Counties, kicked off on a high with Embu’s Kiangima FC, opening the goals onslaught when they beat Tharaka Nithi’s Nturiri FC 2-1.
Kiangima FC’s goals were scored by Brian Kelly in the 11th minute and Collins Ochieng in the early minutes of the second half, soon after followed by Nturiri’s Dennis Mwiatui’s consolation goal.
In the second match, Al-azizia FC, easily outclassed fellow home side Kaguma FC 3-1. Fred Mureithi, Edu Oyoo, and Sudi Juma scored in the 8th, 9th, and 15th minute respectively.
Kaguma’s goal was scored by Mathias Simiyu in the 10th minute.
In the third match, Ikuu Spider FC, settled for a 1-0 victory in a hotly contested match that saw Kiangima FC concede a penalty in the 20th minute, scored by team captain, Isa Muriki.
Meru’s Kaguma FC lost 2-0 to Machakos-based Kakutha Green Eagles when Sammy Wambua and Dennis Wambua found the net in the 26th and 27th minute respectively.
In what was a highlight of the tournament, Al-azizia proved why they are the top dogs in Meru County in the 6th match of the day when in a relentless drive for goals they rained multiple volleys of near misses against the Eagles.
Playing a well-coordinated and patient game, Al-azizia shone in the fair weather of Meru, piling on the pressure against their opponents with the clear blue skies up above almost beckoning them to wrap things up already.
They soon reaped the dividends, when the Eagles conceded a handball in the box, giving Al-azizia their first penalty in the 4th minute, quickly converted by Tony Musa to a wonderful reception by the home fans.
As if responding to the fans, the homeboys were at it again raiding the Eagles’ nest to steal two goals in quick succession, one from the penalty spot converted by Fred Murithi in the 15th minute with Musa scoring in the 22nd minute from a well-timed shot in the box, that settled the game at 3-1 to Al-azizia.
The Eagles’ goal was scored by Kimani Kelvin in the 7th minute.
Speaking after receiving their award, the coach Elijah Maore attributed their success to regular training and readiness for competitions, if not a stroke of luck.
With ambitions to play in the National Super League, the stoked tactician expressed satisfaction with the win, a windfall for the community team that like most budding clubs struggle to meet player obligations and related match fixture requirements.
“I am grateful to the team for showing up and staying spirited all through the tournament. This win will go a long way in facilitating our match fixtures in competitions moving forward,” said Maore.
Ikuu Spider team captain Isa Muriki, welcomed the sponsorship, similarly admitting it would help raise the fortunes of the Maua-based club in Meru County.
A delighted Muriuki acknowledged the intimidating presence of Al-azizia FC, saying he was certain the two arch-rivals would ultimately clash in the finals, where Ikuu Spiders piqued them in the hotly contested match.
“We have lost players due to limited funds and exposure challenges. With this win, we have shown our contention and readiness for the big leagues which we will now pursue with added confidence. I am sure my squad will be even more energized and focused as the league progresses”, he said.
Al-azizia Team captain Dennis Gikundi, though disappointed expressed optimism saying the team would go to the drawing board to improve their penalty handling skills.
“This tournament has been a significant motivation and an eye opener with other equally competitive community teams looking to uplift themselves and their talents just like us,” he said.
He encouraged young football players to stay steadfast and maximize opportunities such as the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba.
Mercy Kabui from SportPesa noted that the SportPesa initiative dubbed Tujiamini aimed at supporting talents from grassroots country-wide.
She noted that many football clubs from the grassroots grapple with funds necessary to buy basic equipment and facilities to travel expenses for matches.
“In the Gold category, we award Sh500,000 to every winner in every county we hold tournaments. In the silver category, we award Sh100,000 to 5 winners, and in the Bronze category, we award 80 people with Sh10,000 nationally,” she added.
The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba regional football tournament, powered by SportPesa continues to heat up with the conclusion of the Eastern region leg of the grassroots football talent showcase.
The initiative now moves to the North Rift region with promises to deliver in what is otherwise known as a talent hotbed.
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