Mathare North United beat Mathare North Youth in slum derby as FKF Premier League sides taps talents

Mathare North United FC Ronald Mukasa dribbles the past Mathre Youth FC at finals played at Drive Inn Primary School, Mathare on Sunday, july 2023. Mathare North United won 2 to 1 goal against Mathare Youth. [Samson Wire. Standard].

Mathare North United FC edged Mathare North Youth FC 2-1 in the just concluded Mathare Football Tournament held at the Mathare Drive-Inn Primary School Grounds in Nairobi.

The champions scored through Wycliffe 'Babu' Ochieng and were gifted with an own goal from Kevin 'Gattuso' Otieno. The losers pulled one back through Brankline Masibo.

The thrilling football extravaganza was supported by area Member of Parliament Tom Kajwang and area Member of County Assembly Oscar Lore who were excited with the amazing talent that was showcased in the event.

The slum derby also attracted scouts from Football Kenya Federation Premier League sides Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Sofapaka, Mathare United FC among others who identified and tapped talents.

"This is an area rich in talent, it has produced some of the greatest players for Kenya, as area leaders we want footballers from this zone to get a platform to showcase their skills and talents that can be monetised," Lore told Standard Sports.

"We are happy with the turn out and the skills showcased here was out of this world. The tournament also kept the youths busy, away from other vices like crime and drug abuse," Lore added.

On his part, Kajwang noted that young people should combine education and talent if they want to excel in the current competitive world.

"Apart from education, the youths should pursue extracurricular activities as entrenched in our education Competency Based Curriculum.

"I'm confident that from this tournament, three of four players will get an opportunity to join the Football Kenya Federation Premier League and hopefully travel for football stints abroad," said Kajwang.