Kombewa Football Club have been crowned champions of the inaugural Stakeholders Coordinating Committee (SCC) Thurdibuoro Location Tournament after edging out Lobi Stars in a tense post-match penalty shootout, following a goalless draw at full time.
The disciplined Kombewa side capped a dominant campaign that saw them sail through the group stage, quarter-finals and semi-finals, including a commanding 4–0 demolition of Base Camp FC to book their place in the final. Lobi Stars secured their final berth after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Nyadero FC in the first semi-final.
Speaking on the sidelines after the final, SCC Secretary General and tournament patron Eng. Okoth Ogonji said the competition was designed as a community give-back initiative for Thurdibuoro Location in Nyakach Sub-county. Ogonji noted that his own humble upbringing inspired him to create platforms that empower young people through sports.
“This tournament is not about politics or personal ambition. It is about giving our youth a chance to showcase their talent, meet potential scouts and club officials, and stay away from drugs, crime and other vices that threaten their future,” Ogonji said.
“I promised empowerment programmes when I was elected, and this is one way of fulfilling that promise.”
Kisumu County CECM for Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs Beatrice Wadiaga lauded the tournament, describing it as timely and impactful. She said that across more than 40 tournaments she has attended countywide, Kisumu youth continue to demonstrate deep passion for sports and impressive discipline.
“Our people love sports, and the level of discipline displayed here is commendable. Discipline will shape your future,” Wadiaga told players. She assured participants of the county government’s support, pledging that future editions will attract more professionals, scouts and partners to expand opportunities for talented players.
Wadiaga also urged leaders to stop exploiting youth for violence, calling instead for empowerment through sports, arts and the creative economy. She encouraged young people to register for national identification cards and voter cards to strengthen their civic voice ahead of future elections.
Kombewa FC walked away with the trophy and KSh20,000 in prize money, while runners-up Lobi Stars pocketed KSh15,000. Teams finishing third and fourth earned KSh 10,000 each, with all participating teams receiving KSh 3,000.
The tournament featured eight teams drawn from the Thurdibuoro Location, split into two pools. Pool A comprised Kombewa FC, Lobi Stars, KUSCOM and Elite Academy, while Pool B featured Base Camp FC, Nyadero FC, Super Hill and Village Rise. Matches were played at Sangoro Secondary School Grounds and Kengen Base Camp in Nyakach, Kisumu County.
SCC Football Tournament Secretary General Jerry Onono said the three-day event, held from December 26 to 28, also included a feeding programme for teams and supporters, reinforcing the tournament’s broader social impact.
“Our goal was to bring the youth together during the holidays, nurture talent and curb drug abuse. This first edition has laid a strong foundation for an even bigger tournament in the future,” Onono said.
