The 2009 John Packard Family Cup football tournament was hailed as a great success by the Kibera Mpira Mtaani (Kibera Village Football) committee, coaches, referees and players. The tournament was launched on 28th of March with a friendly match between the British High Commission Cheetahs and a combined Kibera Mpira Mtaani U17 team where the final score was 4-4.
In total, 136 teams participated in this year’s 8 week tournament with an estimated 2,500 children taking part. The teams were divided into 5 categories:
U10 Boys and girls 28 teams
U12 Boys and girls 40 teams
U14 Boys 26 teams
U16 Boys 26 teams
Girls 16 teams (including a team from Nairobi Seed of Hope Centre!)
We saw some good matches from all categories and this time there was a special group in our tournament as 4 women’s teams came out to play against the girls so we had Mothers versus Daughters matches. Many women were very grateful to have an activity to take part in because they spend a lot of time at home rather than going out to make friends and see how their children are playing. This meant that in the U10, U12 and U14 categories the matches became a family event with mothers watching their children play. This is very unusual in Kibera as traditionally sports are seen as being for children and not a priority. Organisations like Kibera Mpira Mtaani are slowly changing this mindset and adults are seeing the benefits of sports for individuals and the wider community.
Unfortunately, none of the mothers teams made it to the finals but, all in all, they enjoyed the experience and had fun. An exhibition match with 2 combined teams was included in the programme for the finals day and each of the 4 women’s teams was given a ball so that they can practice for the next tournament. Pamela Akinyi, one of the players for a women’s team, said they will prepare well for the next tournament in August and thanked Vision Africa and Mpira Mtaani for a good tournament.
The competition in the other categories also went well. Coach Charles Olwaro from Lucky Boys said that for him the tournament is the most competitive in Kibera at the moment and that the theme of “Sports and Education” was very focused for young people and the community at large. Jackson Omondi, a player from Future F.C. said “It was nice and tough tournament. We are looking forward now for a big Manchester for Kibera tournament. Although we won the U12 category (in this tournament) we have to work hard.”
The finals day on 9th May was a very colorful affair. For the first time, the event was played in one of the interior football pitches in Kibera known as Undugu Grounds. The crowds were entertained with lots of music, drama and dancing and refreshments were provided for all the finalist teams. Guests for the day included Noah from Alive and Kicking who spoke to each of the finalist teams about HIV/AIDS before each match. Also in attendance was some of the Banda School staff led by teacher Anisa, Mayer from DSTV (Digital Satellite Television) and the local chief and elders from Kibera.
Abdul Razak Robba is an Mpira Mtaani official and referee. He told us “Every match was very important, right from U10 through to Ladies. We referees were forced to run a lot because of the pace of the matches. The ball was moving very fast, we need to do extra training for our fitness for the next tournament!”
At the end of the successful tournament, the results were as follow:
U10
1. Christ Ambassadors 2. Makina Youth 3. African Heroes 4. SHOFCO
U12
1. Future F.C. 2. SHOFCO F.C. 3. Catalans 4. Barca F.C.
U14
1. Lazio F.C. 2. Young talent 3. More Fire 4. Atlas F.C.
U16
1. Olympic F.C. 2. SHOFCO 3. More Fire 4. Atlas F.C.
Ladies
1. Shoe 4 Africa 2. Bravillian Queens 3. Girls Soccer 4. R.E.G.
There are many costs involved in running a tournament…especially one which runs for a month over school holidays. In practical terms there are the pitches to hire, referees to pay, first aid kits to stock, balls to be bought for the matches etc. On top of that, one of the great things about our tournaments is the quality of the awards to the teams and deserving individuals. From bibs and cones to boots and balls, these practical awards benefit the players and teams while the trophies and cash awards add to the attraction of participating in an Mpira Mtaani tournament.
We really need a sponsor who would be willing to fund a tournament or series of tournaments, but we realise that in the current economic climate this may not be a realistic ambition. However, if we can get a group of individuals/companies/teams to each sponsor an item in the list above, we can still ensure that the tournaments take place and the youth of Kibera can compete for the John Packard Family Cup and the Manchester for Kibera tournaments.
If you are able to make a contribution towards Kibera Mpira Mtaani’s great work, please use our contact form to get in touch.
Article by Vincent Kegode and Kirsty McLullich