The inaugural Raphael Wanjala Super Cup kicks off
Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala (in red track suit) juggles the ball during the launch of Raphael Wanjala Super Cup on December 11, 2018 at Siaganjo grounds, Busia County. PHOTO | GAITANO PESSA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The tournament has attracted 21 teams based in Budalangi constituency.
- It will run until June 2019.
- Wanjala promises to invite KPL sides to play against Budalangi teams.
The inaugural Raphael Wanjala Super Cup kicked off on Tuesday at Siagonjo grounds in Bunyala South, Budalangi Constituency.
The tournament is sponsored by the area MP Raphael Wanjala.
According to the tournament chairman Bonaventure Odeyo, the competition will run until June 2019 and will have group stage and later knock out format. It will be played on home and away basis. 21 teams are set to take part in the tournament.
Odeyo says the competition has attracted teams from all four Budalangi constituency wards namely Bunyala South, North, Central and West. The teams have been drawn in five pools of four teams except Pool C that has five teams.
“The top two teams in each group will qualify for quarter finals. Two team will get chance to take part in Football Kenya Federation entry competitions,” said Odeyo.
Pool A has tournament favourites Budo Ajax, Mau Mau, River side and Singwe FC. Mubwayo, Obwora, Super Marine and Sisenye Villa will square it out in Pool B while Milimani, Ambassador, New Weco, Aston Villa and Home Boyz are drawn in Pool C.
Pool D has Budebu, Eleven Hunters, Bulemia FC and Subi FC while the fifth last has Igigo FC, Marenga FC, Bukoma FC and Obaro Ingwe FC.
Wanjala said the main aim of the event is to tap on raw talent that exists in the region. “I understand that many youths are idle during this festive season and may be tempted to engage in crime or drug abuse. We want you to focus on this competition as well as maintain high level of discipline,” said the legislator while flagging off the tournament.
He added that soon he will organise matches with Premier League clubs such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and KCB to put regional teams to task and also expose players to reality top flight football.
During the opening match, Budo Ajax rallied from a goal down to hold Mau Mau Rangers 1-1 in an entertaining encounter that attracted sizable audience. Mau Mau who dominated proceedings in the first half took the lead in the 34th minutes through Norbert Ouma, a score they held on until the interval.
However, in the second half, Austine Ocholla struck from the spot in the 74th minute to restore parity after midfielder Denis Ojiambo was fouled in the box.
The matches continue on Wednesday.
