Joy for Dallas as Red Bees fail to sting once again in Oguso Cup

For the second time in a row, record Chris Oguso Cup champions Red Bees left Mahanga Sports Ground disappointed and with a sour taste in their mouth.

This is after they lost 4-2 via penalties to Dallas FC in an enthralling final at a fully-packed venue in Vihiga County yesterday. The match was decided on penalties after it ended in a barren draw in a regular time.

Last year, Red Bees failed to reclaim the title they won in 2022 when they lost 2-1 to Chavavo FC.

In the women’s category Golden Stars FC upset Nice FC  2-1 to bag their maiden trophy in the Betika-sponsored tournament.

For winning the titles, Dallas pocketed Sh300,000 in prize money while Golden Stars received Sh200,000. However, Red Bees had something to brag for as two of their players Atiema Artemas and Clinton Ishuga were were offered a chance at Kakamega Homeboyz together with Hillary Jandi from Dallas.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli who was the chief guest of the finals said he was impressed with the quality of the game.

“I want to congratulate all the teams. We have to continue nurturing the talent, and avoid crime activities through such tournaments,” said Masengeli.

The annual tournament is organised by Chris Oguso who is also Kenya Police CEO and head of security of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Oguso revealed that FKF Women’s Premier League champions Kenya Police Bullets were birthed from this tournament.

“The tournament has grown tremendously, it has been interesting both on and off the quality. I’m glad the tournament continues to unearth more talent. I was brought up from this place and one way of giving back to the community is by organising this tournament. There are a couple of players both men and women who have been scouted from this tournament especially Police FC and Kenya Police Bullets FC," said Oguso.

This year we had about 30 women’s teams in the tournament. One of the reasons we formed Kenya Police Bullets FC is to transfer this talent from the grassroots to the national level, and also secure employment opportunities for them. We thank Betika for their continued support."

The competition which has established itself as one of the best offseason competitions in the country was also graced by Kakamega Homeboyz chairman and FKF presidential candidate Cleophas Shimanyula, Nzoia Sugar chairman and FKF deputy presidential candidate Evans Kadenge, Western region police commander Patrick Obochi, Tusker FC CEO Sam Nzau, Bidco United CEO Geoffrey Misango, Vihiga United chairman Kahi Indimuli, immediate former Murang’a SEAL coach Abdallah Juma and Vihiga United coach Edward Manoah among other dignitaries.

Veteran coach Edward Manoah called on the newly elected Football Kenya Federation to take the game back to the grassroots.

“It is good these young boys and girls have been engaged throughout the festive season, the coaches have come out to scout for more players. I have coached over 18 players from the two finalists. We need more of the grassroots tournaments; the crowd here speaks for itself. Hopefully, the federation will bring the game back to the grassroots because both sponsors and fans have big interest in the game. Well, we are looking forward to seeing the Chris Oguso Cup finals in a different venue next year,” said Manoah who has previously coached Kakamega Homeboyz and Chemelil Sugar.

In the women’s final, Mercy Wafula broke the deadlock for Nice in the 16th minute only for Elizabeth Perace to draw level after the half hour mark. But it was Rising Starlets captain Rebecca Kwoba who broke the home fans’ hearts with the winner from the spot in the 62nd minute.

 Violet Akinyi, who features for Zetech Sparks in the FKF Women’s Premier League, was in cloud nine after captaining her team to glory.

“It was not an easy game, but we played our hearts out and got the victory. It is always exciting to be a champion moreso a time when most of us (players) are struggling financially. This prize money will go a long way to help us cater for our basic needs like sanitary towels. At the same time, the tournament has offered these girls a chance to showcase their talent. We hope some of them have been scouted,” said Akinyi.

Akinyi, who adores Czech-based Harambee Starlets striker Marjoleen Nekesa, said her target is to join paid ranks abroad in the near future.

“Of course Marjoleen is one of the most disciplined and professional players in the country, that’s why she inspires me. I pray and hope that one day, I always play in Europe. “

While applauding the growth of grassroots football, Betika Brand Manager Eric Mwiti said they are ready to partner with FKF Premier League next season.

“With the growth of all the grassroots tournaments we have been involved in, we are now more than ready to engage with the new FKF office and even sponsor the FKF PL next season,” said Mwiti.