Dada football tournament kicks off in Nairobi

[Photo: Courtesy]

The third edition of the Kenya Women Football Tournament dubbed ‘Dada football’ kicked off on Thursday morning, at Camp Toyoyo Stadium in Nairobi.

It is an annual tourney which attracted 12 teams as well as national team players and coaches who will compete for three days.

“We are pleased to host this tournament for the third year running. Once the women football season ends, most of our young women get caught up in societal vices. We are trying to preach a message of hope, healthy and responsible living,” said former international Doreen Nabwire.

Dada football started way back in 2015 amidst meagre resources, but the initiative has grown to popularity as time goes on.

“It is a great opportunity to play. School is over and so is the season therefore by playing in such tournaments, it gives us the opportunity to socialize with teammates and also engage in many other community projects that are beneficiary to our future,” Harambee starlet prodigy Essy Mbeyu Akida said. Akida took time off to travel from her native Kilifi County to come and participate in this tournament being held in Nairobi County.

Defending champions Otto Benecker from Mathare four A will be looking to offload great opposition from St Anns and P.K.F from Makadara, Gaspo from Gatundu, Sunderland from Lang’ata, Kayole starlets from Kayole, Beijing Raiders from Mathare, Kibera girls and Amani Kibera from Kibra, Jutam from Juja, Babadogo United from Babadogo and Team Kujibamba which is a diverse team made up of current and former internationals, if they have to successfully defend their crown.

“Most of the national team players are also thinking of the upcoming Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers early next year, so this coming three days will very competitive,” added Nabwire who has also doubled up at the national’s team technical bench.