Busia County has embarked on fostering unity among residents Owing to 2017 heated electoral process through sports.
Several local football clubs are now battling for a Ksh 250,000 cash price in the ongoing tournament.
Odiado Drones FC reembark on the search for their maiden trophy when they face Red Sharks in the Nangina ward soccer tournament final on Tuesday.
The sides both carry an unbeaten run into the final that will be staged at the Funyula Stadium in Busia County, and Drones who are aware of their opponents’ threat are determined to walk the talk.
“Sharks are a very good side. They are sharp and able to cause harm any time. But that does not matter. We are going for it, we are going for them, I believe in my boys,” Drones FC head coach Asudi Mooka oozed with optimism during Monday’s light training session at Odiado Primary playing ground.
Drones held their nerve to beat Malanga FC 4-2 in penalty shootout on Saturday, after the game ended in a barren draw, Evans Willy, Dennis Opondo and Cyrus Ogana all slotting home from the spot.
Mooka believes the success in the dramatic semifinal has all but raised the mood in his camp.
“It was nervy shootout. You know they(Malanga) have a good goalkeeper and they even boasted of it as the shootouts loomed. But these young kept their cool, rose to the occasion and saved the day,” he opined.
According to the organizer, Nangina ward MCA John Obwogo, the annual event will go a long way in ensuring the region’s cohesiveness and HIV/AIDS awareness.
“This tourney serves to foster unity among residents owing to the 2017 heated electoral process. We also aim at raising HIV/AIDS as we keep the youths occupied, as well as empowering them through talent exposure and cash prizes,” said Obwogo.
The winner of the tournament takes home KES 250,000 as the runners up settle for KES 200,000. Losing semifinalists Malanga FC and Sigulu FC will battle it out for third place place in an early kick off match, the winner pocketing KES 100,000 and the other KES 50,000.
The grand final will be graced by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Ugenya MP David Ochieng, former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma, Nangina ward MCA John Obwogo among others.