Kenya to take part in the Tunisia World Sports Health Elite Cup

Tunisia Ambassador to Kenya, Ben Youssef, during the launch of  WSH Elite Cup in Nairobi, Kenya on  Wednesday.[Oyugi Ochieng,Standard]

Kenyan teams are gearing up for the inaugural World Sports Health (WSH) Elite Cup football tournaments to be held in port El Kantaoui, Tunisia on December 9-15 and December 15-22, 2024.

The showpieces, meant to identify and nurture talents, will be contested by various age groups from across the continent. They range from the U-7 to U-17.

Kenya already has six teams slots in each of the six categories to be contested while Uganda has five.

Former Harambee Starlets full back Betty ‘Titi’ Achieng and Harambee Stars midfielder Osborne Monday are some of the tacticians whose sides will grace the Tunisia showdown.

Other countries slated to enter either schools, academies or clubs in the faceoff are Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. Guest side Dubai will also contest.

The two tournaments will involve 30 teams in total. The first batch of 15 will battle on December 9-15. The remaining group will compete in the last challenge slated for December 15-22.

Tournament organizers have already granted Kenya the rights to hosts the fourth edition in 2027 to support the country’s bid for AFCON hosting that year.

“We welcome players from Kenya and across the globe to take part in this tournament. They will have a chance to be scouted and their careers taken to the next level,” Tunisia Ambassador to Kenya, Ben Youssef, told Standard Sports during the colorful launch in Nairobi.

“When it comes to football, Tunisia is a powerhouse. We got a chance to host and win the 2004 AFCON and Kenya hosting both the WSH Elite Cup and the AFCON in 2027 is in line with the tournament’s vision,” he underlined.

Youssef assured that participants will be assisted to secure visas in time for the Tunisia challenge. He also pledged adequate security during the event.

“The tournament will also be a good opportunity for teams to discover Tunisia and its stunning landscapes and the vibrant culture including cruise shipping, visiting the oldest synagogue in Africa and among other fascinating historical sites,” Youssef underscored.

While commenting about the championship, Tournament Director, Evans Chief stated: “This exciting event will be held in the beautiful harbor of Port El Kantaoui amidst the stunning landscapes, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

“The tournament aims to provide a remarkable platform for young football enthusiasts to showcase their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We welcome international competitors from around the world, including clubs, academies, and school teams. The tournament promises an unforgettable experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike.”

Jubilee Insurance Financial Manager, Joel Korir, hinted that their Soccer Academy will be part of the continental extravaganza.

“We are proud to be part of this tournament because it’s aligned to Kenya's Vision 2030 of exporting talents.

“We are supporting this event because football is the most watched sport in the whole world. Our other mission in this contest is to promote financial literacy among players,” Korir highlighted.

Nairobi International Cup Founder, Kevin Akumu, explained that his foundation is already aligned and in support of WSH Elite Cup values.

“This event is great. It is linking both the North and East of Africa. Also, as we know, Kenya has produced a Champions League winner and an English Premier League player, it is from these that we strongly believe the next McDonald Mariga, the next Victor Wanyama or the next Michael Olunga are already somewhere with our coaches across the country,” Akumu said.