The second edition of the Sakaja Super Cup came to an end Friday with Githurai All Stars emerging victorious for the second time after defeating Kawasaki 2-1.
The derby attracted a significant following with FKF President Hussein Mohammed in attendance.
Mohammed lauded Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson for organizing the Sakaja Super Cup, terming it a transformative platform for nurturing youth talent.
Speaking during the finals of the tournament’s second edition, Mohammed emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development.
“This is the best way to nurture talent from the grassroots,” Mohammed stated.
“We commend Governor Sakaja for this initiative.
Governor Sakaja, who presided over the derby, congratulated the winning team and all participants, reaffirming his commitment to improving sports infrastructure in the county.
He announced that several stadiums, including Kihumbuini and Woodley, are currently under construction and are expected to be ready before the third edition of the Sakaja Super Cup next year.
“Next year, several stadiums in Nairobi will be ready to accommodate more teams and provide better venues for sports. Our vision is not just to offer a platform for showcasing talent but also to demonstrate that sports can pay and provide a livelihood,” Sakaja affirmed
The tournament was planned and organized to accommodate 780 teams that competed over three months, culminating in the crowning of a champion with a prize of Sh3 million.
Osman Abdi, the organizer and coordinator of the Sakaja Super Cup, described the tournament as a success, crediting Governor Sakaja for his vision.
"This tournament was blessed by the Governor, who directed that it should provide opportunities for small teams from the estates,” he said.
“This year’s competition follows a knockout format, with matches starting at the sub-county level. The tournament is organized under the patronage of Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja, in collaboration with the Johnson Sakaja Foundation, FKF, and the County Government of Nairobi. The grand finale is expected to take place in December 2024,” Osman explained.
Football clubs affiliated with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nairobi branches were encouraged to participate in the tournament, with registration forms available at City Stadium.
“This was Governor Sakaja’s idea, which we implemented after holding a meeting with our committee. We organized an open registration for all interested teams from mashinani (grassroots), and we registered 780 teams,” Osman said.
The matches began in all 17 sub-counties, with teams being gradually eliminated over three months.
"The most competitive teams advanced to the quarterfinals, and the Governor provided them with uniforms to motivate them as they approached the finals,” he added.
The Sakaja Super Cup is more than just a competition; it’s about creating opportunities for young players to showcase their talents and pursue professional football careers.
"We’re building a strong foundation for Nairobi’s football future,” Osman concluded.
