By Admin,

Preparations to have the 9th edition of Super 8 Soccer Tournament in place continued in top gear despite opposition from Country’s Football Governing Council, FKF on grounds that it will interfere with the upcoming Kenya Premier League. The competition which makes a comeback after a 3 year absence received a sponsorship of Kshs 14m from an East Africa online betting company, SportPesa.

Speaking at a Nairobi Hotel during the colourful event graced by Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture Dr Hassan Wario and commissioner for Sports Gordon Oluoch, Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed said the initiative will potentially offer youth a platform to showcase their immense football talent.

Hussein who lost narrowly to Sam Nyamweya in 2011 FKF Chairmanship elections said their return is not meant to fight anybody adding that they are keen to have all the relevant stakeholders on board as they seek to achieve their set objectives “Today we’re not here to discuss politics despite the current prevailing conditions in our football arena. We’re here for a noble course which is in the best interest of young footballers in the Country. Youth structures are key and that has been lacking that’s why SportPesa has come to our aid for the betterment of talent upbringing at local level”.

On his part Dr Wario pledged Government support to the organizers of the competition adding that youth development is critical and one of Jubilee Admnistration agenda which any football loving Kenyan should not oppose.

He asked FKF not to frustrate such efforts aimed at bringing sanity in Kenyan soccer. ” I take this opportunity to caution sports federations that, in the spirit to develop their respective sports, it is their duty to facilitate initiatives such as these – and not to frustrate them into oblivion. The end loser will be the Kenyan youth who will miss a platform to showcase his talent. Such action is not in the best interest of sports development in our country.”

An average of 90 teams from all 17 constituencies in Nairobi County and playing in 8 regions are set to participate this year in a competition whose total prize money is Ksh 1,430,000 with the winning side taking home Ksh 500,000 while the runner up and 3rd Placed side pocket Ksh 250,000 and  Ksh 100,000 respectively.

Registration for teams interested to take part is ongong until 20th of this month at Ksh 3000 per team June this year has earned a reputation for unearthing future stars with players such as Joseph Shikokoti (AFC Leopards), Victor Wanyama (Southampton), Jacob Keli (AFC), Jerry Santos (Gor Mahia), Phillip “Bobo” Odhiambo (Ushuru FC), Christian Bwami, and Johanna Omollo ( Belgium) making their names in recent years.

Super 8 soccer tournament also has a strong community ethos with youth and volunteer groups at the grassroots. Aside from offering a springboard for the fledgling careers of the young grassroots players, super 8 tournament equips the youth with business skills that profoundly impact their lives

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