Namwamba: 'Huge gift' for Junior Stars if team wins CECAFA U18 title

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Sports Ababu Namwamba is crossing his fingers for the national U18 boys' side to win this year's edition of the CECAFA U18 championships.

The tournament kicked off today in Kisumu, with the Junior Stars thrashing Sudan 5-0 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, shortly after Rwanda beat Somalia 1-0 in group A's opener at the same venue.

Namwamba said coach Salim Babu's charges did not just score goals, but won playing entertaining football.

Speaking at Obwolo football grounds in Kajulu Ward, Kisumu East, Namwamba said there is a 'huge gift' for the Junior Stars in case they win the title.

"Nimeonana na vijana baada ya mechi na nimewaahidi kuwa ikiwa wataibuka washindi, kuna zawadi nono (I met the boys after the match and promised them that in case they win the title, there is a huge gift)," he said.

The CS said in order to win the championships, Junior Stars must prepare to meet and overcome Uganda and Tanzania.

"Nawasihi wananchi wa Kisumu, tujaze uwanja wa Mamboleo kila vijana wetu wanapocheza ili tuwasukume hadi fainali. Kuna timu kali kama Uganda na Tanzania pale mbele."

It translates to, "I urge the residents of Kisumu to come out in large numbers and fill Mamboleo stadium each time our boys are playing so that we push the team to the final. Good opponents such as Uganda and Tanzania are ahead."

The two neighbours are in group B and play their group matches at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega. Junior Stars next play Rwanda on Tuesday.

Namwamba was taken to Obwolo grounds on a fact finding mission by Philip Opande, former Kisumu county senatorial aspirant.

He said his ministry has a program aimed at upgrading community fields, as a way of growing football from the grassroots.

"We can't grow football without investing in infrastructure."

The CS donated balls and Sh20,000 to Obwolo FC pledging to ensure that the field is upgraded.