Katwanya Falcons FC from Kangundo have been crowned men’s champions for the second year in a row while Jua Kali Queens triumphed in the women’s trophy at the Governor Wavinya Cup Grand Finale, where both leading teams were awarded Sh1 million each.
Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos was transformed into a theatre of football excellence and youthful ambition as Katwanya FC defended their Governor’s Cup title by beating Scotlanders FC from Machakos town 3-1 in a thrilling performance that had Kenyatta stadium in ecstasy and triumph.
In the men’s category, Scottlanders FC finished in second place to earn Sh 500,000, while Mavoko Youth FC beat Kathiani Eagles 3-2 to earn third place and pocket Sh 200,000.
On the women’s side, Talanta Queens from Kalama Sub-county emerged second and received Sh 500,000, while Kavwea Starlets from Masinga outsmarted Kathituni Queens from Yatta 1-0 and came out third taking home Sh 200,000.
This comes a week after Katwanyaa Falcons FC had beaten Kathiani Eagles 4-2 in the semi-finals and Jua Kali Queens beat Kathituni Queens 6-5 in the semis one week ago in preparation for the Grand Finale.
The tournament’s growing reputation as one of the most lucrative grassroots football competitions in the region attracted football lovers, leaders, and hundreds of young players, highlighting how sports continues to shape opportunities for youth while positioning Machakos as a rising sporting hub.
Addressing the crowd, the Chief Guest, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, lauded the Governor for consistently investing in sports, noting that Machakos County continues to perform strongly across various sectors.
“This is the Third Edition of this amazing tournament, and I am sure the Fourth Edition will be even better, Machakos can now produce great people as football has become a large industry worldwide,” Kalonzo said.
The Governor declared the tournament a permanent feature in the county’s annual calendar, promising even bigger editions in the future.
“The Governor Wavinya Cup, is now a permanent fixture in our County’s annual calendar. God willing, next year it will be bigger and better,” she said.
She affirmed her commitment to turning Machakos into a true sporting destination, revealing that a Football Technical Centre is in the works through a partnership between the county government and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and is expected to boost sports development.
Wavinya took the opportunity to call for unity among residents, emphasising collective responsibility in nurturing and safeguarding the county’s youth.
By Mary Wavinya and Anne Kangero
