PS Raymond Omollo Super Cup kicks off in Suba

The annual Suba Lowland Sports tournament kicked off on Monday on a high note with six teams taking part.

The tournament, whose revival took the personal intervention of the interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo is back after a 27-year lull.

It was last held in 1996. The PS agreed to sponsor it following a request made to him by a team of professionals from Suba in June.

A six-member committee was put in place to organise the tournament with the PS as the patron.

Michael Odari is coordinating the five-day event with six teams lined up to battle it out.

The committee members charged with the preparations include Michael Odari (Kaksingri), Samuel Ominde (Gwasi) Zephaniah Aura(Rusinga), McOdida Peter (Gembe) Eng John ( Lambwe ) and Kennedy Onyonyi (Mfangano).

The teams that are participating in this year’s tournament include Mfangano FC, Kaksingri FC, Gwasi FC, Rusinga FC, Gembe FC, and Lambwe FC.

Gwasi and Gembe began the tournament with a good show of performance after they both won in their opening matches.

Gwasi FC beat Mfangano 1-0 during the entertaining encounter, while a tough match between Kaksingri FC and Lambwe FC ended in a 1-1 draw.

Gembe FC thrashed their opponents Rusinga FC during the thrilling encounter that saw them emerge winners after scoring 2-1.

Speaking after day one of the events, the coordinator said the tournament will help with talent development and as a recruitment ground for the youth by major national soccer teams.

"This is a tournament for the Suba region with 6 teams including Mfangano, Rusinga, Lambwe, Gembe, Gwasi, and Kaksingri," the coordinator stated

The matches are being played at Sindo Nyakiamo Stadium, Suba Central Sub County of Homa Bay County.

On Tuesday, Lambwe will face Rusinga while Gembe will battle it out with Gwasi in the second match of the day.

Lambwe will later face Mfangano according to the fixtures, while Gwasi will face Kaksingri in a duel that will close the second day of the tournament.

Some of the Harambe stars soccer players who benefited from the tournament before it collapsed in the 90s who are also willing to support it include George Otieno Solo, Tom Ogweno, Tielen Oguta, BlackBerry Odhiambo, Peter Opala from Ulinzi stars and others.

Odari disclosed that the event is expected to bring together approximately 20,000 people to boost local entrepreneurs in the transport, food, and hospitality sectors.

"The event will therefore contribute to making the Talent Hela initiative of Kenya Kwanza Government a reality for the local population," he said

"The last tournament took place in the year 1996 up to now, when the community approached PS Dr Raymond Omollo to give support. He agreed and promised to work together with the Suba Lowland team," he added.

The competition is for the cup dubbed "Dr Raymond Omollo supper-cup".

The teams that are taking part in the tournament received uniforms and balls donated to them by the PS in October.

"We particularly appreciate the kindness of the PS who is also giving support to the local clubs by giving them balls for training and sports uniforms before the D day," said Odari, the tournament coordinator.