Melta Kabiria FC wins inaugural Francis Thairu Cup

Pomp and colour at Riruta Stadium during Francis Thairu Cup organized by Kwangware Community and betting firm Betsafe [photo courtesy]

Nairobi Region side Melta Kabiria FC were crowned winners of the first edition of the Francis Thairu Cup on Sunday August 1, 2021 at the Riruta Stadium in Kawangware.

The champions took home Ksh.50,000 with the runners-up settling for Sh.30,000.

A host of current footballers showed up for the legend. From L-R Wesley Onguso (Nairobi City Stars), Robinson Kamura (AFC Leopards), Philemon Otieno and Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia) and Collins Shivachi (AFC Leopards). [photo courtesy]

The tournament, played from Saturday to Sunday, pitted eight teams drawn from the larger Dagoreti including Classic FC, Kawangware United, Kawangware Allstars, Team Red, Kipaji FC, Kabiro Youth and Mainstream FC. Melta Kabiria beat Classic FC 4-1 in the finals with the tournament’s top scorer Javan Mukoya netting a hattrick.

Pomp and colour at Riruta Stadium during Francis Thairu Cup organized by Kwangware Community and betting firm Betsafe [photo courtesy]

The ardent fans who thronged Riruta Stadium to cheer on their local teams praised organizers for honouring the legendary Francis Thairu with a befitting tournament that will go down as a respectable tribute to a man who has laboured all his life for the game.

Speaking when he flagged off the final match, Francis Thairu was full of praise saying:  “This is a fantastic way to honour me for my commitment during my time playing the game that I love. I would want to thank Betsafe and the local community for this. I am more than happy.”

Melta Kabiria FC players celebrate moments after lifting the Francis Thairu Cup. They beat Classic FC 4-1 at the Finals [photo courtesy]

In his playing days Thairu was a one-club man, one of the quickly fading player brands in modern football, playing all his career for World Hope FC, and later renamed to Nairobi City Stars FC.

Betsafe MD Victor Sudi emphasized the need to support football at the community level by honouring those who have lived it to ensure sportsmen are adequately motivated.

Melta Kabiria FC players celebrate moments after lifting the Francis Thairu Cup. They beat Classic FC 4-1 at the Finals [photo courtesy]

 “As a company we are committed in working with local communities to ensure we support grassroots football to the best of our ability. We encourage all community football mobilizers to reach out to us by texting the word football to 23333,” said Sudi.