Mining firm developing sports through grassroots talent

Kwale,

Sunday, December 10, 2023

KNA by Hussein Abdullahi

The third edition of Base Titanium Football Tournament came to a thrilling end with Wayzata Boys FC emerging as tournament winners.

Wayzata triumphed over Rwafa FC with a resounding 2-0 victory at Zigira sports grounds lifting the cup for the second time running amid pomp and pageantry.

Goals from Idd Shikeli and skipper Mbwana Kassim in each half were enough for Wayzata to retain their title.

The tournament is part of Base’s efforts to make a positive contribution towards growing and nurturing talent among the local communities neighbouring the Kwale mine site.

Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani who graced the tournament finals as the Chief Guest, encouraged the youth to take up opportunities and maximise on their talent noting that many young men have been able to make a career out of sports.

 “We have seen what the youth are capable of doing with support from stakeholders such as Base and the county government coming together. These tournaments inspire optimism that our youth can grow to become world class players with the right support,” said Achani.

 She expressed the devolved government’s commitment to supporting sports in the county urging local football teams to form companies to be able to access tenders from the county and corporates to become financially independent.

 “Base titanium football tournament will in the long run unearth and nurture hidden talents of young people in Kwale,” she said and assured stakeholders that the devolved government is committed to supporting all initiatives aimed at nurturing youth talents.

The coastal county boss also praised the mining company for its sports development drive and giving the youth an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent through the tournament.

She said the football tournament would also promote the youth’s proper upbringing, development, and position them well to become valuable assets and contribute significantly to nation-building.

Achani described the mining company’s determination to use sports and wellbeing to complement the county government’s efforts in improving the lives of the people as laudable.

The Governor says the sponsorship from the mining company is a morale booster for the local clubs who have a vision for success which is to be among the best model football clubs in the country and cement the place of Kwale as a potential sporting powerhouse.

Base Titanium General Manager - External Affairs, Simon Wall, said the tournament which brought together 32 teams from Msambweni and Lunga-Lunga Sub-Counties was a testament of Base’s commitment towards promoting and developing local sports in the coastal county.

“Sporting activities not only bring the community together but also provide a platform for the youth to nurture their skills and make a meaningful living. We understand that young people need these opportunities to showcase their talent,” said Mr Wall.

Mr Wall says the sporting event is also designed to productively engage the youth and steer them away from criminal activities, drug and substance abuse and other social vices.

He says Base Titanium will continue to support the youth with sporting talent and skills to become future champions and stars.

The top mining official says Base Titanium is determined to create opportunities by helping young people to identify and build on their hidden talents in sports to further their growth and development.

The tournament winners walked away with Sh 250,000, a trophy, football kits and balls, the 2nd runners-up received Sh150, 000, a set of jerseys and balls while the 3rd runners-up received Sh100, 000, football jersey, and balls.

The scintillating football tournament is the brainchild of the mining firm and among other things seeks at raising awareness on the adverse effects of drugs and substance abuse among youths.

The mining company located in Msambweni sub county of Kwale, simply known as Base produces ilmenite, rutile and zircon which are all considered critical minerals.

Courtesy; KNA