Football legends to select top stars at Nairobi Cup

Six football legends have been tasked with the responsibility of having to identify top 30 most talented youth at the upcoming Nairobi Governor’s Cup.

The players; former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards defender Josphat Mulira, Eddy ‘Cherani’ Adero, Bernard  Musuku, Douglas Mutua (former Tusker FC midfielder), George Sunguti and former Gor Mahia player Peter Ochieng were also feted during the launch in Nairobi.

The tournament is aimed at encouraging the youth to abstain from drugs and promote healthy living. From the 30 players selected, a final 12 will be drawn from them where they will represent the region in national and international competitions.

Speaking during the launch, Nairobi County Governor Evans Kidero hoped the tournament ultimately serves – for talented players – as a gateway to top clubs.

“Youth involvement in football is critical for they are the future of football in the country. We have already lost so many youngsters in drugs and alcohol hence investment in the youth in sports is critical.

“We hope to have a good tournament and the Nairobi County dedicated to seeing the youth grow and even compete in professional football. However, those who will come drunk will not be allowed to participate in the tournament,“ Kidero said.

The tournament which is sponsored by the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board will kick off on December, 17 and will be played over a duration of five months in three stages.

The competition will start at the ward level which will be played using the knock out format followed by Sub-County level which is expected to start from April 2 – May 1.  The rest of the tournament will be staged between May 1to June 1.

Over 17,000 players in 680 teams are expected to grace the event. The ladies teams will enter straight into county level with 17 teams currently registered.

Winners from each categoriy (men and women) will go home KSh1m richer while first runners-up win KSh500, 000. The second runners-up will bag KSh250,000.

Top scores, best goal keeper and top players of the tournament will take home Ksh250,000 each.

-Additional reporting by Violah Cheronoh