Masengeli Super Cup enters penultimate stage as teams battle for glory in Saboti

Players line up before the Gilber Masengeli Super Cup in Kapretwa, Saboti. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The 2024 Masengeli Super Cup is heating up in Saboti as the second edition of the tournament enters its penultimate stage, with junior, ladies, and men's teams set to showcase their prowess over the festive period at Kapretwa Field.

This year’s competition, which has grown in stature since its inaugural edition last year, will see teams battling for a share of Sh300,000 in cash prizes alongside coveted trophies and individual accolades.

Blessed Dreams and Blessed Starlets are the defending champions in the boys' and girls' categories, respectively, and will be looking to defend their titles against tough opposition.

The Christmas Day action will kick off with the ladies’ and juniors’ semifinals.

Defending champions Blessed Starlets will face Royal Army Ladies at 10 AM, followed by a showdown between Tiger Ladies and Red Arrow Ladies at 12 PM.

In the juniors’ category, Aquinas Juniors will lock horns with Blessed Juniors at 2 PM, while Saboti Combined Juniors will meet Kipsagam Juniors at 4 PM.

The men's semifinals will begin on Thursday, December 26, with a thrilling encounter between Rising Star FC and Red Arrow FC at 3 PM.

On Friday, defending champions Blessed Dreamers FC will square off against Koykoy FC in what promises to be a pulsating clash.

In a bid to expand the tournament's appeal, this year’s edition will also feature volleyball finals for the first time. Four teams—Kapretwa, Muroki, Gitwamba, and Saboti—will battle for supremacy, further broadening the event’s impact on local sports.

Players line up before the Gilber Masengeli Super Cup in Kapretwa, Saboti. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Tournament sponsor and director Gilbert Masengeli, who also serves as the Deputy Inspector General of Police in the National Police Service, expressed his excitement about the tournament’s progress and its role in nurturing young talent in the region.

“Last year’s tournament was a massive success, and I am thrilled to see the competition growing in its second edition,” said Masengeli.

“We introduced this tournament to give the youth, who are currently back in the village for the Christmas holidays, an opportunity to showcase their talent, engage in meaningful activities, and foster community unity through sports.”

Masengeli also lauded the increasing competitiveness of the teams and reiterated his commitment to empowering the youth through sports.

“The Sh150,000 cash prize for the winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, as well as the trophies, shields for best players, and other rewards, are meant to motivate these young athletes. We want to give them not just a platform but also recognition for their hard work and dedication,” he added.

Players line up before the Gilber Masengeli Super Cup in Kapretwa, Saboti. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

With high stakes and intense matchups, fans can expect thrilling action at Kapretwa Field over the next three days.

The finals are slated for December 31, where champions will be crowned in both football and volleyball, marking an exciting end to what has been a transformative tournament for grassroots sports in Saboti.

The Masengeli Super Cup has not only brought festive cheer to the community but has also solidified its place as a key event for discovering and nurturing talent in the region.