By A, KNA
The Football of Kenya Federation (FKF) Machakos branch, has partnered with Captain Irene Ndanu Soccer Summit to host a football tournament in Machakos to empower and elevate talented youths.
Speaking to the media in Machakos, Ahmed Noor Chairman of FKF Machakos said they have come to an agreement and have partnered with Captain Ndanu who will sponsor teams for an upcoming tournament across Machakos county.
He noted that the Federation will play its part in coordinating FKF programs and competitions as well as identifying talents and ensuring clubs comply with the rules while the sponsor will facilitate the tournaments and soccer kits to enhance professionalism and allow teams compete effectively.
“We have partnered with Captain Ndanu soccer summit in empowering youths through sponsoring of tournaments in Machakos and we have signed an MOU and also have a work frame such that even after tournaments, they will still support the leagues and invite more sponsors on board,” he said.
Noor added that they have 800 football teams in Machakos but only 250 teams are under FKF structure.
He said the teams are spread across the nine sub counties and together with Captain Ndanu, they aim to scout for talents, train for referees and coaching courses to elevate sports standards in Machakos.
On her part Captain Irene Ndanu reiterated that the tournament is her way of empowering youths by keeping them away from the streets and keeping them busy in soccer when they can benefit from their talents.
She disclosed that she was engaged in charities in Machakos in the past and has decided to expand her youth outreach program in soccer since she noticed there is untapped talent of soccer players who need support to excel globally.
Captain Ndanu added that the tournament will involve both male and female teams from Sub County to County levels, where the winning team at county level will go home with Sh1 million, second team Sh500,000, third team Sh250,000 and 4th team will go home with Sh100,000.
In the Sub County competition, she said the winning team will get Sh50,000, second place will take home Sh25,000 and the third team will get Sh15,000 and each year there will be competition to ensure consistency in training, elevating performance and boosting players confidence.
“I appreciate the FKF in agreeing to partner with us for the soccer summit. We will be launching the tournament this month and this is to ensure talented players are recognized, appreciated and empowered,” said Captain Ndanu.