Pumwani Sportif have dedicated their Koth Biro title win to legendary club players and fans who fought for the badge since the inception of the tournament 46 years ago.
The Majengo-based side beat rivals Kingston from Shauri Moyo 2-0 to clinch the title on Saturday, at Ziwani grounds. The match was played after the morning rains leaving the ground soggy and slippery.
However, the players showed their prowess to entertain the crowd with great skills while showcasing how talented the grassroots players are.
Pumwani were the better side from the whistle with Shabani Abwabi scoring the opener from a third-minute corner, before completing his brace in the 38th minute with a sublime finish after a perfect run behind the defense.
Kingston fought hard to push the game to penalties but Pumwani’s rear guard stood firm repelling all their attacks to win the title and bragging rights.
“Pumwani have been playing well every season but we’ve been falling in knockout stages and the finals since 1977. This time we were well prepared and we had young and experienced players who did a good job to the last hurdle," said Pumwani coach David Maina.
Veteran Radio Jambo presenter and commentator Toldo Kuria who sponsored the tournament Fair Play award, said he was pleased with the quality of football played and hopes coaches who attended the matches will sign the outstanding players in January when the mid-transfer window opens in January.
"We played according to our game plan, but they caught us napping in the opening minutes. We’ll rebuild and come back stronger next season," said Kingstone midfielder Jeremy Namwenda.
Pumwani got Sh100,000 prize money courtesy of Extreme Sport, while runners-up Kingston got Sh70,000. Mbotela Kamaliza who beat Country Bus 5-2 in the third-place playoff got Sh30,000. Koth biro chairman Paul “Polosa” Ojenge said the tournament was successful despite a few hiccups in the semis and group stages.
"We thank Extreme Sports, FKF Presidency aspirant Sammy Kempes Owino, Stahere MP Amos Mwago, and deputy county commissioner Lilian Nyawanda for their support.
