Kenya Women’s Premier League sides Ulinzi Starlets and Zetech Sparks are among the 24 teams that will square it off in a seven-a-side tournament in honour of the soldiers' head coach Joseph Mwanza today.
Mwanza died on Friday last week after a long illness. Ulinzi and Kahawa United will feature three teams each while Zetech Sparks will have two teams.
The other teams in the event are Jioni United, Blue Stars (KU Lions), Proactive Legends, Let's Talk Ladies Football, Githurai Sharks, Githurai Clayworks Legends, Kahawa Queens, Githurai45 Wazee and Mamluki FC among others.
The tournament, to be held at Kahawa Wendani Turf Arena today, seeks to raise funds for the late tactician’s family.
Despite being in and out of the hospital last season, the Caf 'A' licensed tactician still managed to help Starlets win the FKF women’s title after beating Kibera Soccer Ladies 2-1 in the final match of the season.
He also led Starlets to three consecutive FKF Cups, making him the most successful tactician in the competition. He was occasionally assisted by Michael Clive Otieno, Francis Kimanzi, and Stephen Ochola during his absence during the season.
Kahawa United team manager, Azizi Juma, described the late Mwanza as a man who loved football. Kahawa United, he said, was among the teams founded by Omwanza.
"The late Mwanza was very passionate about football and hardworking. He started Kahawa United before moving to Ulinzi Starlets," Juma added.
Juma added: "He cared a lot about those under him and most of the time he would call the players and instruct them on how to go about their matches even when he was on his sick bed."
Mwanza will be buried on Saturday at his home in Kibwezi while his requiem mass will be held at Kahawa Barracks on Friday.
