Amalemba Off To A Flying Start At Malala Super Cup

MUMIAS, Kenya- Amalemba FC edged Mumias West FC 1-0 at the start of Senator Cleophas Malala Super Cup football tournament at Bomani Grounds in Mumias on Saturday.

The solitary goal was scored in the 12th minute by pacey striker, Daniel Sakari, who looped the ball past Mumias West custodian, Abubakar Wesonga, at the top right corner of the post.

“I’m happy to have given my team the victory. We hope to carry on with the same momentum in the rest of the competition,”Sakari underlined.

Amalemba captain, Arthunus Masheti, said they are out to bag the KSh1 million, prize money in the event.

“We played well, our opponents were up to the task, but luck was on our side,” the 27-year old defender, who features for Green Commandoes in the National Super League (NSL), underscored.

Mumias West skipper, Ali Okutoyi, was sad to have lost to the rivals at their home ground.

“We got our chances but failed to utilise them. We will put more effort in our next fixture because our objective is to lift the cup,”Okutoyi emphasized.

Among the mammoth crowd that turned up at the green and lush location to cheer the teams is Kenya fan number one, Isaac Juma.

Juma urged NSL and SportPesa Premier League (NSL) clubs to use the chance to identify raw talent being showcased in the contests.

He has also tipped national team, Harambee Stars, to overcome Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in the two-legged 2019 AFCON qualifier fixture to be staged away in Bahir Dar on Wednesday (October 10) and at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi four days later.

“I will be at Kasarani on Sunday to support Kenya against Ethiopia, before returning to Mumias to continue with this tournament,” Juma highlighted.

Malala said the contest he has funded is part of giving back to the community following his successful election as Kakamega Senator last year.

“We will select 30 players who will engage SPL sides, Gor Mahia FC, Posta Rangers FC, AFC Leopards SC and Kakamega Homeboyz FC in friendlies. My dream is to see that the top tier sides absorb at least 10 of them.

“The players will be put in residential camp as we help them to secure trials with clubs,” Malala explained.

Event organizer, Benjamin Wandalo, said the challenge has attracted 480 teams from 60 wards in the county.

“The games will run for three months, we expect to play the final on December 30.The objective is to identify talent at the grassroots,” Wandalo emphasized.

Potential signing

At the same time, the organisers received 120 boxes of sport gear through the Kits For Africa initiative donated by English Premier League sides, Southampton FC and Everton FC as well as Hull City FC who play in the second tier English Championship and Serie A side, Torino FC, of Italy.

In addition, they received 120 La Liga balls, which will be used during the 2100 matches.

“Ward and constituency finalists will be rewarded with the kits,” Malala accentuated.

Gor Mahia head coach, Dylan Kerr, has already pledged to be at the location on December 12 to identify any potential signing he can contract ahead of the new SPL season.

Mathare Member of Parliament, Anthony Oluoch, promised to fund SPL side, Mathare United FC, to travel to Kakamega to clash with the overall winners of the tournament.