Nairobi Governor’s Cup: Kamaliza toss out All Stars

NAIROBI GOVERNOR'S CUP Action between Mbotela Kamaliza and Mbotela All Stars at City stadium in Nairobi yesterday

Mbotela Kamaliza kicked off Nairobi Governor’s Cup on a positive note by knocking out Mbotela All Stars 4-1 at City Stadium yesterday.

The derby match was scoreless in the first half that was characterised by superb raids from both sides before the teams proceeded for half time.

Kamaliza put their house in order at the break as Wesley Jerome opened the floodgates on resumption.

Jerome headed in a cross from the left to give Kamaliza a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute.

Kamaliza doubled their tally from the spot, slotted in by Manucho Omondi in the 69th minute.

Fast-paced diminutive striker Conrad Omondi pulled a goal back for All Stars in the 75th minute. But Omondi’s effort to find the back of the net for All Stars onwards were thwarted by the mean Kamaliza defence who resolved to put him on check till the final whistle.

Kamaliza got their third goal in the 78th minute through Abraham Kisebu, who made a solo move in the left flank, beating All Stars defenders and custodian before passing the ball into the net.

Samson Odhiambo sealed the deal for Kamaliza when he fastened onto a through pass to make it 4-1 four minutes from time.

“This was a derby we had to win by all means. I am glad we are still in the race for the Sh1.5million prize money,” said Jerome.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero while officially launching the lucrative tournament that will run for the next seven months said: “The aim of this tournament is to not only nurture talent but will be an avenue of keeping the youth busy while being sensitised on the need to avoid drug abuse and organised crime.”

Kidero said the tournament brings together 680 teams and 17,525 players who will compete from ward up to the county level.

“We will identify 30 top players in this tournament who will form the final Nairobi County FC that will be the official team for Nairobi City,” Kidero said.

The official sponsors of the tournament are the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board.

The overall winners will pocket Sh1.5million, runners up Sh1million while third place finishers will get Sh500,000. Best goal keeper, top scorer and best player will be awarded Sh250,000 each.

Top teams in each of the 85 wards involved will get Sh50,000 while top teams in each of the 17 constituencies involved will get Sh100,000.