How Oguso Cup has turned into a 'hotbed of talent'

Kenya Police's David Simiyu (left) and Farraj Ominde of Bandari FC during FKF Premier League at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi. December 12, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Chris Oguso Cup remains one of the best off-season football tournaments in the country if the players it has produced in the recent past is anything to go by.

With the annual sponsorship of at least Sh4 million from betting firm Betika for the last ten years, the event which is held between November and December appears to have quickly joined the class of the likes of Koth Biro and Butsotso Cultural Festivals among others in nurturing talent.

From the current Kenya Police trio of David Simiyu, Reagan Otieno and Job Ochieng to former Nzoia Sugar/Gor Mahia/AFC Leopards defender Joachim Oluoch all of them were either scouted from or revived their careers at the tournament organised by Superintendent of Police and Kenya Police FC CEO Chris Mmbwanga Oguso.

Oguso, who featured for Nakuru Police from 1997 to 1999 in the National Super League and FKF Premier League (2000 to 2002) before hanging up his boots in 2003, is also currently serving as the head of security of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Lesley Otieno, another product of the tournament which started in 2011, is poised to join Premier League side Police FC.

Just like the past tournaments, some exciting and promising talents were unearthed at the recently concluded 12th edition which was claimed by Kidundu United FC at Mahanga Grounds in Vihiga County on December 29.

Kidundu saw off Lakers FC 3-0 in the final thanks to the contributions from the influential quartet of captain Mohammed Said, goalkeeper Ian Duncan, Ivorian striker Michael Ake and Vincent Ogola.

And for their exploits in the final, Ake, who features for National Super League side Shabana, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while his Kidundu teammate Ian Duncan walked home with the best goalkeeper award.

Sportive's Benson Kamalik whose side finished third after beating Silver Strikers 1-0 in the playoffs, also had something to smile about after bagging the golden boot.

He scored 12 goals in the tournament. The final was also graced by Nzoia Sugar FC chairman Evans Kadenge and Harambee Stars legends Josephat Murila and George Sunguti.

For winning the trophy Kidundu received Sh300,000 in prize money while Lakers and Sportive pocketed Sh200,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.

Oguso is proud of what the tournament has achieved so far in terms of changing lives and nurturing talent in the five sub-counties (Vihiga, Sabatia, Emuhaya, Hamisi and Luanda) in Vihiga County.

"Remember, this is a non-political tournament whose aim is to nurture talent and bring cohesion among the residents of Vihiga County. This is also in line with President William Ruto's grassroots plan of identifying talent," said Oguso.

"The tournament has produced many great players like David Simiyu, who's undergone his police training and will be graduating on January 12. Reagan Otieno used to play for KCB but he took part in the 2021 tournament and this is where I scouted him. He's actually supposed to join the National Police Service this month.

"Betika na Community has been sponsoring this tournament for the past 10 years now and the monies given out has helped the winning teams start a few income making projects like rearing chicken and cows."

Though the ladies' tournament failed to take place last year due to some unavoidable reasons, Oguso says plans are underway to form the Kenya Police women's football team.

But Ake now seems to be the most sought-after player from the 2022 edition with a number of Premier League clubs including Nzoia Sugar chasing for his signature.

"Tournaments like this give young players a chance to showcase their talent. I wasn't disappointed with the quality I saw in the final and just like the past tournaments there are a few players I have scouted," said Nzoia Sugar FC chairman Evans Kadenge.

"Ake is one of the good players I have identified and we are trying to engage him."

Ake said: "I'm glad to have participated in the tournament and named the best player. I thank God for everything, we gave our best and won the trophy."