The buzz of grassroots football is sweeping across Machakos once again. The Governor Wavinya Ndeti Cup, now in its third year, kicks off this weekend in Mwala Sub-County, promising fierce competition and a grand prize of Ksh. 1 million at December’s county finals.
Since its launch three years ago, the four-month tournament has grown into one of Kenya’s largest local sports events. It begins at ward level before narrowing down to the county finals. Last year, Katwanyaa FC of Matungulu lifted the men’s title, while Athi River Queens triumphed in the women’s competition.
Speaking at the launch in Mumbuni North Ward on Thursday, Governor Ndeti praised the championship for opening doors for young athletes. “We’ve produced top players who have joined topflight clubs in the country,” she said. “This is another chance for our youths to showcase their talents, and I hope we will get more potent talents this year.”
She pointed to success stories like Mary Nthambi, who now plays for Women’s Premier League champions Police Bullets, and Felix Mwendwa of Kaluluini FC, who trained in Spain with the Chapa Dimba All Star team.
But the Cup, she stressed, is not only about football. Under the theme “Nurturing Talent, Greening Our Future, and Empowering Generations”, this year’s edition introduces tree-planting campaigns, mental health awareness drives, and training clinics led by international football legends. “We’re not just playing football; we’re uplifting lives,” Ms Ndeti said.
The scale of the tournament has been striking. In its debut, 640 teams competed, with 12 players moving on to professional leagues. Last year, more than 650 teams took part, and the finals drew a crowd of 20,000 to Kenyatta Stadium. This year will see another 650 teams, drawn from all 40 wards of the county.
Prizes are designed to spread benefits widely. Ward-level winners receive Ksh. 20,000, with runners-up taking Ksh. 10,000. Sub-county champions earn Ksh. 100,000. At the county finals, the winning team pockets Ksh. 1 million, with Ksh. 500,000 for second place and Ksh. 100,000 for third.
Governor Ndeti also pledged longer-term support for local leagues and thanked the Football Kenya Federation for backing the programme. Closing the ceremony, she called on the youth to step forward: “Vijana tusakate dimba, wasichana tucheze ball, tusibebe ball!”—a rallying cry urging boys and girls alike to take to the pitch.
For many in Machakos, the Wavinya Cup is more than just sport. It has become a stage for dreams, a rallying point for community pride, and this year, a reminder that football can be a force for both talent and transformation.
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