The Inaugural edition of the Talanta Hela Under-19 Football Tournament is about to end soon in Nairobi County. The Vihiga and Homa Bay Counties have successfully reserved their spot for the finals in the Men’s Category. In the women’s category, the Busia girls faced off against Kisumu.
Reportedly, the Tournament was held in three parts, 2 in the Men’s Category and 1 in the Women’s Category, at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya.
In the Men’s Category, Homa Bay County stood at the top after beating the other team, Kisumu County. Meanwhile, the Vihiga County secured the third spot after winning the Nakuru Boys.
The Nakuru boys’ team lost fourth place (in the semifinals) on Tuesday by narrowly losing 2-3 to Vihiga County at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Homa Bay County were crowned champions in the boys category after beating Kisumu 4-2 in a thrilling final match showcasing the best Kenyan youth football.
Busia outclassed Kisumu 3-1 in the girls’ category in another entertaining match. The CECM in charge of youth and sports, Ms Josephine Achieng, commended the boys’ and girls’ teams for outstanding performances throughout the Tournament.
Following the Match, the President of Kenya, William Ruto also awarded the Homa Bay County men with a prize of Ksh5 million for winning the Talanta Hela National under-19 Inter-County Football Tournament.
Several other delegations from the Government of Kenya also joined with the President. Including:-
- First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto
- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
- EGH his spouse Dorcas Rigathi
- Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia W Mudavadi
- Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga
- Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Ababu Namwamba
Joined among other guests. Kenyan Social Media and Small Business Trends Reporter Antony Maina, also a Dundori Centre United Group member, joined President Ruto and other delegations.
Following the Semifinals, he expressed his happiness to the team members and said, “Sports talent is a route to economically empowering the youth and building an image for the nation. The young talent on display today gives us reason to hope for a bright future for football in Kenya.”