Masengeli's tournament empowers youth through sports and awareness

Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG Gilbert Masengeli (left) during the tournament. [Osinde Obare,Standard]

Aquinas Juniors Football Club lifted the Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli's Cup during an exciting tournament played at Kapretwa Primary School in Saboti Trans-Nzoia county.

Newton Saekwo gave the winners alone goal in the 58th minute of the game against opponents Kipsagam FC to pocket a cash prize of Sh150,000.

The two teams wasted many chances in the first half of the game watched by a mammoth crowd of soccer fans including the sponsor Gilbert Masengeli and former Bumala MP Mwambu Mabonga.

Aquinas beat Chebosan 1-0 at the semis to the proceed to the finals while Kipsagam dismissed Koy Koy FC at the post penalties after a goalless encounter during the normal time.

In the girl's category, Blessed Queens beat Red Arrow 4-3 goals at the penalty shootout after a barren draw to carry home cash Sh150,000.

Blessed Queens send Royal Army of Gitwamba backing by 2-1 goals. Red Arrows on other hand hammered Tiger ladies from Mengo 3-1 goals.

The runners up in both categories carried home sh 100,000. Third and forth winners were given sh 50,000 and sh 30,000 respectively.

In men Volleyball, Saboti Intex beat Koy Koy 3-0 to emerge winners while Kitwamba ladies beat Kapretwa ladies to win in the girls category.

Masengeli while handing trophies and cash prizes said the competitions was meant to nurture talents and also sensitize the youth the dangers of drug abuse and crime.

Urging local youths to shun drugs abuse and other harmful practice, the DIG pledged to support nurture potential talents.

"These tournament is to give the youths the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in sports and we are sensitizing them against vices likely to ruin their lives," said Masengeli.

Ng'iya Girls High school Siaya Principal Hellen Juma encouraged girls to focus on their education and avoid sex before completing studies.

"Let us focus much in education and avoid sex that expose you to early pregnancies. Your future depends on your education," said Juma.

INUA AI founder Humphrey Muchuma who co-sponsored the event said his organization target to recruit 700 youths across the country in permanent digital jobs.

"We are taking part in this event in order to recruit at least 20 youths for digital jobs and we are targeting to recruit 700 youth across the country," said Muchuma.

Mabonga challenged top police officers to emulate Masengeli by initiating sports activities to keep youth away from crime.