Dreams soar high at Rausha Kipaji Cup as young talents light up Nakuru

The Easter weekend has transformed Nakuru city into the heartbeat of youth football as more than 100 private academies from across Kenya converge for the sixth edition of the Rausha Kipaji Cup – one of the country’s fastest rising grassroots tournaments.

Held at Nakuru Boys’ and Nakuru Girls’ High Schools, the four-day football bonanza (April 17-20) features teams across six age categories: U7, U9, U11, U13, U17 and U20, showcasing the raw, untapped potential of Kenya’s future football stars.

Among the standout performers so far is Dreams Soccer Academy from Donholm, Nairobi, which has entered teams in four divisions: U9, U11, U13, and U17. The Academy’s Under 11 side has set the tournament ablaze, posting a staggering 13 goals in a single match — the highest score recorded so far.

At the heart of this explosive performance is Silvester Mandela Amimo, a rising star who netted four goals in that game, instantly becoming a player to watch in the competition.

“This is more than just football; it’s a platform to nurture potential and transform lives,” said Melkzadeck Alukwe, head coach of Dreams Soccer Academy. “Our focus is not just on winning, but on instilling discipline, teamwork, and belief in these young players.”

The Under 11 category alone has attracted a record 48 teams, grouped into 12 pools — a testament to the surging interest and investment in youth football across Kenya.

The Rausha Kipaji Cup, whose name fittingly translates to “ignite talent,” has over the years become synonymous with grassroots football excellence, offering scouts, coaches, and fans a glimpse into the future of the sport.

As the tournament intensifies over the coming days, all eyes will be on talents like Silvester and the Dreams Soccer Academy — not just for their potential to lift the trophy, but for what they represent: the next generation of Kenyan football.