Young Warriors claim Dwasi NG-CDF football title

By Peter Ochieng

Young Warriors are the inaugural Dwasi National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Mashinani football men champions.

Warriors beat Rota FC 7-6 via post match penalties, after a 0-0 draw in regular time during a closely contested final match played at the Molasses grounds, in Kisumu on Saturday.

The tournament was sponsored by the Kisumu West NG-CDF, under Member of Parliament (MP) Rosa Akinyi Dwasi Buyu.

58 Ladies were crowned champions, after beating Kawino Ladies 1-0 in the women final.

The event was graced by among others, Azimio leader Raila Odinga, his wife Ida Odinga and Kisii governor Simba Arati.

Young Warriors were handed a winners' trophy and Sh100, 000 in prize money from the Kisumu West NG-CDF.

Raila Odinga added the team Sh50,000, Arati Sh50,000 and Elisha Oraro, Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Sh15,000, bringing it to a total of Sh215,000.

On the other hand, 58 Ladies also got a beautiful trophy and Sh50,000 in prize money.

The team however walked home with a total of Sh150,000 after Odinga handed out Sh50,000, as well as Simba Arati's Sh50,000 top up.

Shirley Adhiambo Otieno was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on the ladies side, with Brian Khan being declared the tournament's best player on the men side.

Otieno sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams this year, and is expected to join form one in January, while Brian is a form three student.

Besides getting a Sh10,000 token each for their MVP performances, Buyu announced that the Kisumu West NG-CDF will sponsor their education until university.

On his part, Raila Odinga said the tournament had witnessed the discovery of young talents that need nurturing, to produce the next 'Arsenal's Saka and Manchester United's Rashford.'