SportPesa’s Kits for Africa initiative visited Suba South Constituency in Homa Bay County, where a total of 30 aspiring teams from the region and its neighborhoods received full football kits from SportPesa.
The initiative was started to provide kits and balls to local teams across the country that are struggling to develop their talents for the beautiful game due to a lack of funding.
Led by Lola Okulo, Head of Public Relations, the SportPesa team from Nairobi were extremely unprepared for what awaited them – a beautiful place with almost impassable roads that have hindered access to critical services for the community.
Nevertheless, the event kicked off successfully with a warm welcome from an aspiring leader and community representative Stephene Sangira, alongside coaches and members of up to 20 teams present.
“It is great to see a company commit to helping grassroots communities develop and nurture sports talent,” said Sangira.
“The youth in Suba South has a strong passion for football, but their dreams remain far-fetched due to a wide range of challenges,” he added amid serious nods from the teams present.
The teams included Nyandiwa, Nyagweke, Gwasi Rangers, Riverside, Kisegi, Sima, Kitawa, St Pius, Kiwa, and Italo football clubs.
Others from River Soccer FC, Ongukwa, Utawala, Nyenga, Olando, Wiga, Oma, Akom, God Oloo, and Nyanam.
Kennedy Kiboye, Nyadhiwa’s coach had especially a lot to express on the challenges teams in the region face. He notes that their love for football saw them launch the football clubs years ago to give the youth a chance to live their dreams.
“I was a footballer myself, and a little over a decade ago when we first started, we’d play shirtless for distinction in the field. We’ve come so far, but we still have nothing to show for it,” said Kiboye.
He went ahead to explain how SportPesa, in collaboration with Sangira has brought change to the region. With balls, jerseys, and other kits à great challenge for them, he recognized the support SportPesa has shown in ensuring their teams remain motivated.
“With the kits, we’ve received from SportPesa, people will now know that we are using our own resources,” Kiboye said with a smile.
SportPesa, through Sangira has been supporting teams in the region over the years. The initiative initially began with 16 teams but has since doubled and it entails kits and monetary support.
“As a company, we will always strive to provide such things so we can continue to do our part in developing football across the country, so as to provide equal opportunities for all,” said Ms. Okulo.
The teams, nevertheless, pleaded for support in sponsoring leagues in Suba South Constituency.
“Currently, with a little support from the local leaders, we come together to sponsor ward leagues, but we want to do it big and we hope SportPesa can be our breakthrough,” said Kennedy Oyango, the head coach for River Soccer FC.
He added that they’ve begun fundraising to help them buy their own field where they can play without interruptions.
“We have so far raised 100,000 out of a target of half a million,” Oyango said.
The coach noted that once they raise enough amount, they will buy their own space, fence it, and ensure it is well equipped.
“One of the perpetual challenges we face is balls. Where we play our games are often unforgiving to our balls which are punctured by thorns. This leaves up to 5 teams relying on only one ball. Our own field will help us prevent that,” said Oyango.
Since its inception, the Kits for Africa initiative has kitted hundreds of teams across the country and this pushes their eternal agenda of providing opportunities for the less fortunate lovers of the beautiful game.
“I would just like to thank SportPesa and promise them that they will be put to good use as we continue to try and achieve our dreams of playing football at a higher level,” Sangira concluded at the close of the event.