Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament brings hope to struggling footballers in rural Bungoma

Deep in Chwele, Kabuchai Ward of Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County, a football match is underway despite the scorching early afternoon sun and dusty grounds.

Whirlwinds sweep across the thirsty, makeshift pitch as dry twigs and leaves soar into the air, threatening the survival of the only opportunity to score before the final whistle.

“Gooooaaaal!” the sizeable crowd roars, celebrating the lone goal of the afternoon and as Umoja FC players join Abraham Wekesa in celebrating, the winds also seem to join the dance.

His moment as the man of the match is, however, cut short as teammates scamper for safety. The strong winds rip through the already torn net perhaps a testament to the harsh conditions the players endure in their quest for recognition.

To many, it appears to be a friendly match, until Wekesa discloses that it is an 11-a-side game meant to test their fitness ahead of a weekend fixture.

“My dream is to join a national team, where I will not only showcase my prowess but also earn a living from my talent,” he says, catching his breath as he reflects on both the victory and the many challenges he has faced.

Born in Namirama Village and schooled at Namirama Primary School, Wekesa’s talent is among many that remain unnoticed.

Formerly a student at Bukembe High School, the 19-year-old knows too well how stiff competition, bribery and lack of training facilities have continually dimmed his chances of reaching his full potential.

We chat briefly before he rejoins his teammates on the field for more practice. He remains optimistic that with consistent training, he, and many others from the area, will one day bring glory to the country’s football scene.

His sentiments are echoed by Gerry Wayong’o, the captain of Mabanga FC. The team is preparing to face Madisi FC in the Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament this Saturday at Khachonge Stadium.

“We rarely have opportunities to practise and showcase our talents while in primary school. Most of the chances come in secondary school, and even then, exposure is limited unless one attends an extra-county or national school that can afford to sustain a team through tough competition,” Wayong’o says.

Mabanga FC has never hosted a match on its home ground due to uneven playing surfaces and poor infrastructure at Mabanga Primary School. Away matches since the tournament began in November have strained the team’s limited resources, as they are forced to cater for fares and meals.

“We yearn to be registered in a league. That way, we can get support and even attract individual sponsors,” he adds.

Despite the challenges, Wayong’o is grateful that his team was selected to participate in the tournament.

“The organisation has been good. All the 24 teams received full kits, including uniforms, balls, first aid kits and shoes,” he says.

He further notes that three of his players have already been approached by coaches from other teams and will transition once the tournament ends.

“We invite fans and coaches to turn up in large numbers to watch our match on Saturday. The team is ready and has maintained a high level of discipline, which is crucial in talent scouting,” he says.

Clutching his worn-out football boots, Wayong’o slips his feet back into plastic sandals before heading home, careful not to damage his only pair of playing shoes.

The young men are among teams competing in the Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament, coordinated by Caxton Simiyu.

“Each of the four wards in Kabuchai Constituency produced two teams, which advanced to the quarter-finals last weekend. We have now narrowed it down to Mabanga FC, Madisi FC, Mukuyuni FC and Milimani FC, who will play in the finals this weekend,” Simiyu says.

He adds that the tournament will culminate on December 31, when winners in various categories — including best player, goalkeeper, midfielder, defender and captain — will be awarded.

“We also plan to form a Kabuchai All-Stars team from this competition,” Simiyu notes.

The tournament kicked off on November 1 with a match at Nalondo Stadium and has brought together over 24 teams, all eager to showcase their talent and compete for the top prize of Sh50,000.

In a show of commitment to nurturing local talent, Dr. Juma Mukhwana provided full kits, balls and first aid supplies to all participating teams.

“The teams have been resilient, all focused on the grand prize. The runners-up will receive Sh30,000, second runners-up Sh20,000, and third runners-up Sh10,000,” Simiyu explains, adding that teams eliminated at the constituency and quarter-final stages will each receive Sh10,000, while those knocked out at ward level will get Sh5,000.

The inclusive tournament has united youths from diverse backgrounds, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition as excitement builds towards the finals.

Dr. Mukhwana, a native of the area and the current Principal Secretary for Industry, has long been passionate about youth empowerment and sports development, recognising the power of sports to unite and inspire communities.

“The primary objective of the Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament is to promote sports development, foster unity and provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents,” he says.

Through initiatives led by the Juma Mukhwana Foundation, the PS also aims to bridge educational gaps by sponsoring players at various levels of secondary and tertiary education.

“All we are looking at is how to bring out the best in these young men and women and support them towards local and international opportunities,” Dr. Mukhwana adds.