Lucky Summer Warriors win Michael Olunga Tournament

Lucky Summer Warriors trounced Riverside Youth 3-1 to win the final of the second edition of the Michael Olunga Tournament at the Babadogo Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday.

Victor Omune grabbed a brace for Warriors, scoring in the 20th and 53rd minutes with Caleb Ndinya scoring the third in stoppage time while Riverside's consolation was scored by Michael Bwire just after the breather.

Roodney Strikers, the team that Olunga played for as a kid, beat IPL by a solitary goal in the third place play-off match played at the same venue earlier on.

For winning the title, Warriors bagged a trophy, medals and Sh75,000, runners up Riverside Youth got a trophy and Sh50,000 while Roodney Strikers received Sh 25,000 for finishing third.

Olunga, who started up in the very field as a teenager, says the main aim is to expose the talented youth in the informal settlement where he grew up.

“There is raw talent that needs to be tapped in this area where I grew up and this tournament will help clubs realise there are talented youth who can do better if given opportunities. I experienced the same difficulties while growing up and in my small way through this tournament and other initiatives I hope to change lives and fortunes of the youth,” Olunga told Nation Sport.

“I am lucky to that God has been merciful and elevated me from poverty through football but I cannot forget where I came from. It feels good to be back here and interact with some of the coaches who shaped me and also some players whom we grew up and played together as kids in this dusty field,” he added.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Omune won the Golden Boot Award having scored three goals, Riverside’s Robert Mutua was named the tournament’s best player while Lucky Summer custodian Caleb Omondi won the Golden Gloves.

The tournament now moves to Olunga’s home county Homa Bay with action set to kick off on Tuesday.