By Eddah Waithaka
Bondo United FC and Magina Starlets seized the Nyanza regional titles in the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, powered by SportPesa, in a thrilling finals day at Raila Odinga Stadium on Sunday.
The event combined high-stakes football with a celebration of community heroes, marking a major win for grassroots sports in the region.
Bondo United Lifts Trophy After Tight Final
In the men’s final, Bondo United from Siaya County clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resilient Awendo FC from Migori.
The game’s lone goal came in the 32nd minute when Bondo’s sustained offensive pressure forced Clinton Ochieng of Awendo to divert the ball into his own net.
The champions had earlier powered past Sindo Select FC 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Awendo FC secured their final spot by edging out Bobaracho FC 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout.
Magina Starlets Secure Victory with Grit and Grace
The women’s final mirrored the intensity of the men’s, as Siaya’s Magina Starlets battled to a 1-0 win against Nyamira’s Masosa Starlets.
The decisive moment came early, with striker Scolastica slicing through the Masosa defense in the 16th minute to slot home the winning goal.
“The game was tough because our opponents were really good,” said Magina Starlets player Nora Peter.
“We kept pressing, and the pressure paid off. This win means a lot to our team, and we are grateful to SportPesa for organizing this tournament.”
Champions Reap Major Rewards
As regional champions, Bondo United secured a massive KES 250,000 prize, payable over three years, plus a full set of home and away kits.
Magina Starlets earned a KES 50,000 cash prize to support the purchase of new training equipment.
Both teams will also enter a three-year mentorship program under SportPesa’s Tujiamini platform, designed to nurture and empower grassroots talent across Kenya.
“These kinds of tournaments are very important for grassroots football here in mashinani,” said Bondo United head coach Eric Tutem.
“The prize money we have won will go a long way in supporting our team as we prepare to enter the Division One league.”
Community Champions Shine Alongside Football Stars
Alongside the football action, the event unveiled the Nyanza Tujiamini Community Award Winners, celebrating locals using their talents for community good.
The top awardees were: Gold Winner: Jacob Omulo of Nyorwa CBO received KES 1,000,000 for empowering persons with disabilities and widowed women through agribusiness.
Silver Winners: Joash Ochieng (Girwa Radio), Joseph Okal (National Triathlete), and John Apollo (Nyanza Badminton Open) each received KES 100,000 for their contributions to sports media, excellence, and development.
Bronze Winners: Fifty community changemakers received KES 10,000 each and a “Kwa Ground” Bronze Award for their local impact.
“Tujiamini is more than a platform. It is a movement that nurtures belief and rewards potential,” said Japhet Akhulia, Head of Partnership and Sponsorship at SportPesa.
“When people believe in themselves, greatness follows.”The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament now heads to Bomet for its next regional leg on November 15th, where eight more teams will begin their quest for glory.
