Big and better: All set for Governor Wavinya Cup in Machakos

The four-month countywide football tournament has grown into one of the biggest grassroots sports events in Kenya since its inception three years ago, and starts from the ward level all the way to the county finals.

Katwanyaa FC of Matungulu Sub County are the reigning county champions after defeating Kyevaluki FC 2-0 while Athi River Queens emerged champions in the women’s 2024 edition.

Speaking during the third edition launch at Kisooni Catholic Church Grounds in Mumbuni North Ward on Thursday, Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti, lauded the tournament as a platform for budding talents to shine as well as career progression in sports.

The county boss noted that the annual championship has already transformed lives, citing examples such as Mary Nthambi, a Machakos native now turning out for the Police Bullets, two-time champions of the Women’s Premier League, and Felix Mwendwa of Kaluluini FC, who was part of Chapa Dimba All Star team which travelled in Spain for a one-week camp.

“We’ve produced top players who have joined topflight clubs in the country. This is another chance for our youths to showcase their talents and I hope we will get more potent talents this year,” she said.

‎‎The County boss emphasized that the Wavinya Cup was not just about football but a transformational initiative under her administration’s second pillar, social and economic empowerment, targeting the youth, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.

‎‎In its first edition, the tournament attracted 640 teams with 12 players securing opportunities to play in different Kenyan leagues. The second edition in 2023 drew more than 650 teams, with the finals at Kenyatta Stadium pulling a record crowd of 20,000 fans.

‎‎This year’s edition, running from September 20 to December 13, 2025, will feature a record 650 teams drawn from all 40 wards of the county.

‎‎Governor Wavinya announced that the 2025 edition comes with new additions under the theme “Nurturing Talent, Greening Our Future, and Empowering Generations.”

These include:  Training, scouting, and sports clinics led by international legends, Tree planting and environmental conservation drives and Mental health awareness campaigns for the youth.

“We’re not just playing football; we’re uplifting lives through the rewards to the participating teams. We've also spiced up the tournament by introducing a tree planting initiative. This will help us mitigate the climate change problem and also keep our youth engaged,” she added.

‎The Governor assured residents that her administration was finalizing plans to sustainably support county leagues and lower division clubs in Machakos.

‎‎She also thanked the Football Kenya Federation for its consistent support of the program since inception.

Ward level winners are awarded Ksh 20,000 with runners up pocketing Ksh 10,000 while champions of the Sub-County level will go home with Ksh. 100,000.

In the county finals, champions walk away with Ksh. 1 million while the runners-up, receive Ksh. 500,000. The third-place team is awarded Ksh 100,000.

‎‎The Governor declared the third edition officially launched, rallying the youth with her closing words: “Vijana tusakate dimba, wasichana tucheze ball, tusibebe ball!”