Madira, Chavavo crowned Oguso Cup champions

Madira United players celebrate with their trophy after beating Itabalia Ladies 2-0 in 2023 Chris Oguso Cup final at Mahanga Sports Ground, Vihiga County on Friday. [Courtesy, Standard]

It was song and dance as Chavavo FC and Madira United were crowned the men’s and women’s champions of the 13th edition of the Chris Oguso Tournament at Mahanga Sports Ground, Vihiga County on Friday.

Chavavo stunned record champions Red Bees 2-1 in the men’s final while the Kenya Women’s Premier League side saw off Itabalia Ladies 2-0.

This was Chavavo’s first win against Red Bees in many matches of the Betika-sponsored tournament. It was a sweet victory for Chavavo who had lost twice to Red Bees in the past semi-final matches. The annual tournament is organised by Chris Oguso who is also Kenya Police CEO and head of security of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

And for claiming the trophy, Chavavo pocketed Sh300,000 in prize money, Red Bees received Sh100,000 while dethroned champions Kidundu United got Sh50,000.

Amos Kigadi had broken the deadlock for Red Bees in the seventh minute, only for Derrick Madigo to draw level ten minutes with a thumping header.

Duncan Owino then unleashed a thunderbolt of a free kick that flew past a hapless Red Bees goalkeeper in the 24th minute to hand Chavavo the lead.

A jubilant Chavavo coach Mark Sadali said: “It’s a sweet revenge, it came at the right time. We have lost twice to Red Bess in the semis, but I’m glad the boys played as per instructions and delivered this win today.”

Having established itself as one of the best offseason tournaments in the country, this year’s edition was graced by Bidco United CEO, Mathare United CEO Jecton Obure and Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti among other dignitaries.

The tournament has produced a number of top players including current Kenya Police trio of David Simiyu, Reagan Otieno and Job Ochieng and former Nzoia Sugar/Gor Mahia/AFC Leopards defender Joachim Oluoch who were either scouted from or revived their careers at the tournament.

Oguso said he is proud of the growth of the tournament that attracts teams from the five sub-counties (Vihiga, Sabatia, Emuhaya, Hamisi and Luanda) in Vihiga County.

“The presence of Bidco United CEO, Mathare United CEO and Nairobi City Stars coach among other dignitaries in the final tells you how big the tournament has grown. All of them are here to scout talent. Remember, most of the FKF PL teams including Nzoia Sugar, AFC Leopards, Kenya Police, Vihiga Bullets, Vihiga United, Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia have benefited from this tournament,” said Oguso.           

“This is a non-political tournament and I thank our sponsors Betika for their continued support and for making this tournament a success.”

Mathare CEO Jecton Obure whose team is currently second in National Super League said: “We have identified at least three players from this tournament, and we hope to engage them and see if we can sign them. Our target is to return to the Premier League and I’m confident with a few additions in the January transfer window, I’m confident we will achieve our objective.”

Eric Mwiti Betika Senior Brand Manager said: “We are impressed with the performance and fans’ turnout. The tournament has been growing year after year, and seeing the ladies' teams also returning to action is quite commendable. We will continue supporting this initiative.”

Madira led by Kenya U20 women’s team captain Jane Hato had to wait until the second half for them to get their goals through Rebecca Kwoba and Faith Otieno.

For winning the trophy, Madira walked home with Sh200,000 while Itabalia received Sh75,000 as Malkia FC got Sh50,000.

Chavavo’s Dencious Mulama was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, Charles Situma bagged the Golden Boot after scoring nine goals for Baya FC while Innocent Lihasi went home with the Golden Glove award.

Itabalia Ladies’ Norah Ann was MVP in the women's category, Rising Starlets forward Charity Midewa (Madira) clinched the Golden Boot award after scoring two goals, while her teammate Nelly Achieng got the Golden Glove award.