Early this week, the SportPesa Tujiamini sports promoters paid a visit to the Ikuu Spiders football team, a rising star in Kenya’s grassroots football scene.
The team, based in Igembe, Mau region of Meru County, came to the limelight after a remarkable journey that included participating in the 2024 Tujiamini Cheza Dimba initiative, a programme aimed at identifying and nurturing local talent across the country.
The team representing the larger Eastern Region has become a symbol of hope and transformation, having begun as a group of village youth casually playing football on undefined playgrounds in the village.
With time, it has evolved into a disciplined and competitive team, thanks to consistent training, mentorship, and community support fuelled by the Tujiamini initiative.
Ikuu Spiders have now climbed to 3rd position in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Meru County League table and are pushing for the top spot as the season nears its end.
The team’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Their growth, discipline and progress are all results of the support they received through the Sh 250,000 Tujiamini sponsorship.
Speaking during the visit, Raymond Kababa, the Team Manager shared his appreciation for the life-changing opportunity the team got through SportPesa.
“Our boys used to play without proper structure in the village. But through the sponsorship we got last year, we’ve risen through the leagues. We are now 3rd in the Meru County FKF League and aiming higher,” said Kababa.
Ikuu Spiders’ dream is to one day compete in the Kenya Premier League. With the kind of consistent support they’ve received, they believe that dream is now within reach.
Team captain Ken Mureithi highlighted how the Tujiamini programme has improved the players’ morale and commitment.
“I’m so happy to be part of the Tujiamini family. The sponsorship changed everything. Our junior players now want to join us because the club takes care of all our needs—from travel to allowances. It’s now a stress-free place to grow,” said Mureithi.
Tujiamini is SportPesa’s community-centred initiative, supporting talent and grassroots projects in Kenya.
Debra Maina, Public Relations and Advertising Executive at SportPesa, expressed her pride in the progress of Ikuu Spiders and emphasised that their journey reflects Tujiamini’s objective.
“This is exactly what Tujiamini is about—believing in potential and helping it grow. Seeing Ikuu Spiders’ transformation shows the power of support and opportunity,” said Debra.
With an annual budget of Sh 30 million prize Money, Tujiamini is currently running its campaigns in the Eastern-North Eastern Region.
Talented individuals and community projects can still apply via [www.tujiamini.co.ke] (http://www.tujiamini.co.ke) before the end of the month.
By Ian Chepkuto
