Bungoma Woman Rep launches Football tournament to nurture talents, shape youth’s destiny

Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga has officially launched the ‘Wambilianga Super Cup Football Tournament’ showcasing her spirited commitment to community engagement.

Speaking during the launch of the month-long event at Chebukwa Secondary School in Kabuchai Constituency on August 14, which will span across the 45 wards of Bungoma County before progressing through the county’s nine constituencies to the county level, the lawmaker emphasised that the tournament promises to be a significant platform for youth engagement and empowerment.

The launch drew a large crowd of residents and local leaders, who gathered to witness the commencement of a tournament aimed at providing constructive activities for the county’s youth.

The event, themed “Zero Tolerance to GBV,” aligns with the circumcision year when many teenagers are on holiday.

Recently, Bungoma has been on the limelight due to a troubling rise in teenage pregnancies, which often spike during the circumcision year.

During this time, schoolgirls are frequently coerced into early sexual activity amidst the circumcision festivities, while young boys may fall into harmful behaviors such as drug abuse.

Hon. Wambilianga’s initiative seeks to offer an alternative to negative influences that can pervade during this period, such as increased teen pregnancy and other social challenges.

“The tournament is not just about football; it’s about using sports as a tool to engage our youth and steer them away from harmful behaviours,” said Wambilianga.

She said that her vision for the Super Cup extends beyond mere entertainment, aiming to highlight sports as a viable career path that can offer significant earning opportunities.

With over 400 teams registered, including both men’s and women’s teams, the tournament is set to cover a broad spectrum of talent and enthusiasm from across the county.

“If you closely observe, many players in the Premier League and other national competitions, not just in football but also in sports like basketball, volleyball, and rugby, hail from Bungoma. This highlights the exceptional talent we have in our county, and it is crucial that we nurture and support it,” she said.

In addition to promoting sports, Hon. Wambilianga emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering discipline and a sense of community among participants.

“We are committed to ensuring that sports serve not only as a form of entertainment but also as a means to develop professional players who can represent our country on a larger stage,” she stated.

To support this goal, she plans to connect players with potential sponsors and enhance their visibility in national leagues.

Local leaders, including Matulo Ward MCA Steve Kaiser, praised the tournament as a proactive step towards mitigating social issues.

Mr Kaiser commended the MP’s approach, noting its potential to keep youths engaged and away from detrimental behaviors such as drug abuse.

Hon Wambilianga also noted that the tournament will be a critical component in advocating for zero tolerance of gender-based violence (GBV) and violence within homes, aligning with the broader objectives of the initiative.

The second term Ford Kenya party legislature highlighted the importance of discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

She urged participants to adhere to the rules and maintain respect during the matches.

“We have enlisted professional referees from FKF to officiate the games from the ward level up to the county level, ensuring fairness and integrity in every match,” she added.

She said that ambulance services will be on standby to take care of any injured player.

Wambilianga also urged parents to play a proactive role in safeguarding their children during the August holiday and the circumcision festivities.

“It is crucial that parents remain vigilant and engaged during this period,” she said. “While we provide opportunities for youth through events like the Super Cup, the responsibility also lies with families to ensure that their children are guided and supervised. By maintaining close oversight, we can collectively prevent them from falling into negative behaviors and ensure they make the most of the positive opportunities available.”

The MP emphasized that active parental involvement is essential for the well-being of young people.

“Parents need to be aware of where their children are and what they are doing,” she added.

“The excitement of the holidays and circumcision celebrations can sometimes lead to risky behaviors, but with attentive parenting and open communication, we can help steer our youth towards constructive activities and away from harmful influences. Let us work together to create a safe and supportive environment for our children.” she said.

Ann Nasike, a local resident from Kimilili, expressed her enthusiasm for the newly launched Wambilianga Super Cup Football Tournament.

“This tournament is a fantastic initiative,” she said. “It’s great to see our leaders taking proactive steps to engage our youth in meaningful activities. With many young people in Kimilili looking for productive ways to spend their time, this competition offers them a valuable opportunity to develop their skills and stay out of trouble. I truly appreciate Wambilianga’s commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a positive outlet for our children.”

Denis Wanyonyi, a youth from Webuye, also lauded the Super Cup competition. “Hon. Wambilianga has really outdone herself with this tournament,” he commented.

“As a young person passionate about football, having a platform like this is incredibly motivating. The chance to compete with other teams across Bungoma County is something we’ve been looking forward to. This tournament not only gives us a chance to showcase our skills but also keeps us engaged in something constructive during the August holidays. I’m excited to see where this will take us and grateful for the opportunities it will create for many of us.”

The ‘Wambilianga Super Cup Football Tournament’ not only seeks to engage young people in positive activities but also to provide them with opportunities to shine in the sports arena.

By combining sportsmanship with social advocacy, the tournament aims to foster a healthier and more vibrant community.

As the competition unfolds, it is expected to make a lasting impact on both participants and spectators alike, reinforcing the message of unity and positive growth in Bungoma County.