Young Stars, Sinyereri Queens clinch third edition of Governor George Natembeya Cup

Young Stars FC and Sinyereri Queens (Wiyeta Girls) are the winners of the third edition of the Governor George Natembeya Cup in the men's and women's categories after clinching the final matches played on Wednesday at Luuya Primary School in Kwanza Constituency, Trans Nzoia County.

Young Stars beat Saboti All Stars 2-0 in the finals to lift the men’s title, as their female counterparts, Sinyereri, hammered Small Tigers 3-0 to win the title for the third time in a row.

The winners in both categories walked away with Ksh. 1 million each, as the first runners-up were awarded Ksh. 750,000, with Ksh. 250,000 going to the 2nd runners-up of both genders.

The tournament attracted 10 teams (eight men and two women) from each of the 25 wards ward in Trans Nzoia County where they played in Sub County level all the way to county level and to the finals.

Ward-level winners won Ksh 20,000, with the first runners-up pocketing Ksh 10,000.

At the sub-county level, the winners walked away with Ksh. 60,000, with the first runners-up pocketing Ksh. 40,000.

Speaking after lifting the county finals, Young Stars skipper Dickson Namai hailed Governor Natembeya for coming up with the tournament, saying it has played a big role in uniting the youths in Trans Nzoia County and scouting the talents.

We thank God for this title, which we have fought for two times in vain.

We have a lot of project to fund with the Ksh. 1 million award from the governor, and we are looking forward to defending our title in 2026 edition.”

Sinyereri captain Bridgit Maria, on her side, expressed her joy for winning the cup, saying they have cemented their supremacy.

“We are very happy as Sinyereri players to lift the cup for the third time in a row, and I want to promise the governor that we will continue working hard next season in this tournament.

“Our aim is to play in the national team, Harambee Starlets something which I’m sure we can achieve if we continue working hard and I’m also urging the scouts to come and watch the tournament because there are many talents here.”

There was also sitting volleyball for the people with disabilities, whereby the winners pocketed Ksh. 200,000, and the first runners-up were awarded Ksh. 100,000.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya said they have identified talents from each ward, which will take them to the next level.

“I want to state that from each ward we have spotted two players, which brings a total number of 50 of them who will come up with a county team that will be participating in the county league, and I believe they will graduate all the way to the FKF Premier League level.

"I believe before the end of my first term as governor, we will be having a team from Trans Nzoia County taking part in the county league.

It’s sad that many talents from Trans Nozia county schools like St. Anthony’s in Kitale take part in the East African championship, which is the highest level of competition in the Cecafa region, but they end up there, and many of them are among the ones we selected.

"I want to change that narrative and ensure they are fully employed by the government of Trans Nzoia to just play soccer for the county and get paid.”