Kisumu We Football Academy A emerged victorious at the Twende Wasichana End Year Under-17 Tournament held on Saturday, January 4, at Manyatta Primary School in Kisumu Central Sub-County. The team clinched the title in a thrilling 3-1 victory over Kisumu We Academy B, taking home a trophy, footballs, and a cash prize of Ksh 7,000.
Their runners-up, Kisumu We Football Academy B, received Ksh 5,000, medals, and 25 training markers. Kisumu Eagles finished third, bagging Ksh 3,000, footballs, and a captain’s armband, while Modern FC walked away with Ksh 2,000 and footballs for reaching the quarterfinals.
Promoting the Girl Child Through Football
The tournament, organized by Karibu Africa and funded by the FIFA Foundation, is part of a year-long initiative aimed at empowering girls through sports. According to Dominic Otieno, Karibu Africa Programs Manager, the “Twende Wasichana” project—Swahili for “Let’s Go Girls”—seeks to challenge societal norms that limit girls’ potential.
“This tournament is not just about football; it’s about breaking stereotypes. In many communities, girls are often confined to the kitchen or subjected to early marriages and pregnancies. We’re here to show that girls belong on the field, excelling in sports and life,” said Otieno.
He emphasized the tournament’s role in fostering community engagement, bringing parents together to watch their daughters compete, and creating a platform for mentorship.
Karibu Afrika also runs girls’ sports clubs in schools, offering free sessions that blend football training with life skills education. The initiative currently supports over ten schools in Manyatta A and B, focusing on leadership, self-awareness, and gender equality.
Building a Legacy for Girls and Boys
Davis Ouma, head coach of Kisumu We Football Academy, revealed that eight teams participated in this year’s all-girls tournament. He announced plans for an inclusive tournament in April, featuring both boys and girls to promote gender equality.
Kisumu We Football Academy serves 160 players across various age groups, from under-8 to under-16. The academy prioritizes education alongside sports, with 58 boys and girls currently on scholarships covering school fees.
“We are proud to offer these opportunities. Our goal is to ensure education remains accessible, especially for children from underprivileged backgrounds,” Ouma said, encouraging more children as young as six to join the academy.
A Brighter Future Through Sports
As Twende Wasichana continues to grow, it underscores the transformative power of sports in shaping lives and challenging societal norms. The Kisumu community stands as a beacon of hope, proving that when girls are given the chance to shine, they can achieve greatness both on and off the field.
