The inaugural EMOF Super Eight inter-university football tournament has been officially launched in Nairobi marking a significant step toward revitalizing university level football in Kenya.
The competition, organized by the Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma Foundation, will be hosted by Kenyatta University from May 30 to June 1.
Eight universities are set to participate in the three-day event, which will feature a group-stage format followed by knockout rounds.
The participating institutions include Kenyatta University, KCA University, Strathmore University, St. Paul’s University, African International University, Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University, and Zetech University.
Teams have been divided into two groups. Group A comprises the host Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, Zetech University, and African International University. Group B features KCA University, St. Paul’s University, Kenya Methodist University, and Mount Kenya University.
Speaking during the launch on Monday evening at a Nairobi hotel Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, the tournament’s founder said the initiative is aimed at transforming the university football landscape, which he believes holds untapped potential.
“This inaugural Inter-Universities Football Tournament is more than a competition; it is a statement. A statement that we are ready to build and reimagine the journey of a Kenyan footballer,” said the Raków Częstochowa defender, emphasizing the importance of integrating education and sport within football.
He noted that everywhere he has played, one lesson has remained constant and that football does not grow through lone efforts and that no federation, player, or organization succeeds alone.
“We do not claim to have all the answers, but we are here to be part of the solution. The great footballing nations we admire today were built through collaboration through many hands, many hearts, and a shared vision,” Ouma added.
“To our partners and stakeholders this is just the start. We welcome more of you to walk this journey with us, to invest, believe, and help shape the future of Kenyan football,” he added.
Kenyan international Anthony Akumu, who attended the launch, praised the initiative, noting that it will help uncover talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“It is an exciting move that I believe will go a long way in exposing fine football talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. Congratulations to Marcelo for this,” said the Harambee Stars midfielder.
Former AFC Leopards player and South Sudan international Saad Musa also welcomed the move, describing universities as potential hubs for nurturing football talent, similar to their success in other sports.
“Kenyan universities can be havens for football talent, just as they have been for disciplines like basketball and rugby. I’m happy for Marcelo, he is addressing the gap we see in university-level football,” Musa noted.
KCA University’s Head of Sports and Campus Recreation, Mike Kisaghi, expressed optimism about the tournament’s future, suggesting it could expand significantly in coming years if well supported.
“Participating in this tournament is a great idea. It is just a starting point, and you never know what may come out of it. By next year, we could have more than 20 teams competing. Universities have embraced this fully, and we will ensure its success. I only urge that there be no unnecessary external interference,” Kisaghi said.
The winner of the EMOF Super Eight tournament will receive a cash prize of Sh100,000 while the runners-up will receive Sh50,000 with organizers hoping the competition will grow into a major platform for developing football talent across Kenyan universities.
by Anita Omwenga
