Masengeli Super Cup: Blessed Dreamers and Blessed Starlets aim to retain titles in finals

Blessed Starlets line up before playing in the semis of the Masengeli Super Cup. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Defending champions Blessed Dreamers and Blessed Starlets are gearing up to retain their crowns in the grand finale of the 2024 Masengeli Super Cup, set to take place on Tuesday, New Year's eve, at Kapretwa Field, Saboti in Kitale.

The tournament, which has featured thrilling football action over the past week, concludes with a packed schedule of finals and playoffs across the men's, women's, and juniors' categories.

The spotlight shines brightest on the men's final at 1 PM, where reigning champions Blessed Dreamers will face a resilient Red Arrow FC.

Blessed Dreamers secured their place in the final with a commanding 2-1 semifinal win over Koykoy FC on Friday, thanks to a clinical brace from star forward Kevin Wanyonyi.

Red Arrow FC, meanwhile, displayed grit and composure to edge Rising Star FC 1-0 in Thursday's semifinal, with their solid defense proving key.

Both teams bring contrasting styles to the final: Blessed Dreamers boast an attacking flair led by Wanyonyi, while Red Arrow FC rely on their defensive discipline and counterattacking prowess.

"This is the clash we've all been waiting for," said tournament director Gilbert Masengeli, who also serves as the Deputy Inspector General of Police.

"Blessed Dreamers have the experience, but Red Arrow FC have shown they can match any opponent. It's going to be an electrifying final."

In the women's category, Blessed Starlets will battle Red Arrow Ladies at 12 PM in what promises to be another riveting contest. Blessed Starlets, the defending champions, have been dominant throughout the tournament.

They edged Royal Army Ladies 1-0 in Wednesday's semifinal, maintaining their unblemished defensive record.

Red Arrow Ladies, who triumphed 2-1 over Tiger Ladies in their semifinal, bring an attacking edge that could challenge the Starlets' sturdy defense.

The juniors' final at 11 AM pits Aquinas Juniors against Kipsagam Juniors. Aquinas Juniors advanced after a tense penalty shootout victory over Blessed Juniors on Wednesday, while Kipsagam Juniors edged Saboti Combined Juniors 1-0.

"The juniors' final is always a highlight because it showcases the future stars of Kenyan football," said Masengeli. "These young players have shown incredible talent and determination."

The action kicks off at 8 AM with Royal Army Ladies taking on Tiger Ladies in the women's playoff, followed by Blessed Juniors and Saboti Combined Juniors battling for third place in the juniors' category at 9 AM. At 10 AM, Rising Star FC and Koykoy FC will clash for third place in the men's category.

Masengeli praised the quality of this year's competition and the enthusiasm of the fans.

"The tournament has been a massive success. The energy, the skill level, and the passion from the players and supporters have been incredible," he said.

"As we head into the final matches, I expect nothing less than fireworks on the pitch."

All eyes will be on Blessed Dreamers and Blessed Starlets to see if they can defend their titles and end the year on a triumphant note.