By Keke Roy

The much-awaited Amsha Ball Kisumu tourney is set to start tomorrow (22nd December 2015) at the Moi Stadium Kisumu.

The tournament attracts teams drawn from the expansive Kisumu City and will feature the Under 18 sides. Among the teams confirmed for the battle, include Chipolopolo (from Nyamasaria), Covenant (Dunga), Obunga (Obunga), KYOC (Migosi), Manyatta United (Manyatta), Okore (Riat), Urusi (Kondele) and Westham (Nyalenda).

The tournament aims at reviving the dwindling soccer standards within the region and is the first edition that shall take place each year. It is apparent that no such tournaments have been taking place, save for the political games to garner for votes.

As a result, the Kisumu Football Forum came up with the initiative to help the upcoming players stay away from social evils, substance and drug abuse due to idleness. Registration fee is free for all the participants and fans can come enjoy the games for free of charge!

Prizes

Through collaboration with well-wishers and football lovers across the country and beyond, the players will be awarded with individual playing boots, gloves and trophies. This is to facilitate them for their footballing ambitions and encourage them to play football.

The winning team will also get pairs of boots and a trophy. Some of the Region’s finest players in the top tier leagues have promised to support the tournament through mentorship programs and presence during the entire edition. Similarly, a local hyper supermarket has promised to offer bottled drinking water for the participating teams and a trophy for the winner.

Future Ambitions

The tournament aims to serve as a platform for the upcoming youngsters to expose their talents. For instance, the class eight leavers will use the tourney to attract the interests of the secondary school coaches who will be scouting for fresh talents.

The fourth form leavers will also use the platform to seduce coach Paulo of Palos and Henry Omino of Western Stima who have confirmed their availability during the tournament. A select XI team will be incorporated for follow-up activities and possible support provided to help them achieve their football ambitions.

Keke Roy is the Coordinator of the Amsha Ball Kisumu initiative, but works with a dedicated team of hard working individuals.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com