By Reporter
Wayzata Boys FC have won the Base Titanium Football tournament for the second time in a row.
In a thrilling match that took place on Friday at Zigira primary school grounds in Kwale County, saw Wayzata win against their opponent Rwafa FC in a 2-0 match result.
The first goal was made by Shikeli Idd in the 22 minutes and the second was scored by Mbwana Hamisi at the 66 minute bringing the crowning glory of the Wayzata Boys.
It was a game too far for the opponent Rwafa FC who tried their best to breach the defence of the defending champions but to no avail.
The Rwafa strikers launched a vicious attack and forced their way through the Wayzata defence team but met a rigid wall from the goalkeeper Mohammed Mwapakia.
The young Wayzata goalkeeper gave his life to the match when he made outstanding saves from first to the last, leaving the opponents howling in frustration.
The Rwafa team played and dominated most of the game in the first half but their morale reduced after Wayzata struck their net for the first goal.
Rwafa’s striking force was also good but had poor finishing giving a golden opportunity to the Wayzata team whose winger players coordinated well with the mid-fielders to maintain the victory.
In the second half, both teams made some substitutes and raised the game speed but Hamisi’s strike sank the Rwafa team.
The winners walked away with sh250,000 and runners up sh150, 000, the third sh100, 000 and the fourth sh75,000.
The teams were also awarded football equipment and medals.
The goalkeeper of the year went to Mwapakia who won golden gloves and Hamis was awarded the best player receiving the golden boots.
Base Titanium General Manager External Affairs Simon Wall said the football tournament is part of the commitment to nurture talents and empower the community.
“We are keen on developing and improving local sporting activities and equip young people with necessary skills to succeed in sports,” he said.
Wall said the football tournament attracted at least 60 local teams across the county.
He said it is a great achievement seeing hundreds of residents from all corners of the county converge to support the initiative.
This year’s football tournament was themed ‘Talanta ni Mgodi, Itumie Ufaidi’.
Wall said both teams showcased brilliant talents and could be transformed into a world-class standard if they put in more effort and get the required support.
Governor Fatuma Achani hailed the mining company for being at the frontline in nurturing talents.
She said the football tournaments are in line with the county agenda in fighting teen pregnancies, crime and drug abuse.
Achani said the football initiatives help keep youth out of the streets and concentrate on their talents.
The governor, however, warned the youth against misusing the prize funds and urged them to form companies and invest.
“Don’t share that money, it’s good you save it and work on registering companies to secure county tenders and do business,” she said.
Achani said her administration prioritizes transforming the lives of the youth, PWDs and women.
Ends