“BHC Cheetahs fly in player from Dubai for Mpira Mtaani match”. If this were a tabloid newspaper, that would probably be the headline. In fact, it isn’t that far from the truth.
On Saturday the 28th March the John Packard Family Cup 2009 was launched. The first game of the tournament was an under 14s match between FC Marren and the Diadems in which FC Marren were the victors with a 2-0 scoreline. The second match of the day was the British High Commission Cheetahs vs a Kibera Mpira Mtaani under 17s side. This fixture was much anticipated after the previous results of a scoreless draw and a 4-0 defeat by Mpira Mtaani. The Cheetahs claimed to be better prepared for this game and ready for a tough match.
On the day of the game, we were informed that the man who had donated the strips to the Mpira Mtaani team, Ultan Kenny, had flown from Dubai to play in the match. Having made the donation and heard about the previous matches, Ultan decided to see for himself what it would be like to play a game of football against a Kibera team.
True to their claims, the BHC Cheetahs appeared to put forward a stronger team this time round. There were claims that their opposition was not as tough as the star player from last time, Mpira Mtaani committee member Susan, was unavailable for this match. However, to be fair the two teams both fought hard and were pretty evenly matched as the 4-4 final score portrayed. By the end of the match, both teams appeared to be wearing orange strips as there was so much dust kicked up during the match.
At the end of the game, Ultan had a surprise gift to present to the Mpira Mtaani squad. As an employee of Emirates airline, he had brought a donation of kit bags which were presented to team members, coaches and officials. This gesture was very much appreciated and the bags will be well used as the team prepares to compete in the month-long tournament which is now underway.
Our thanks go to Orlando Ames-Lewis of the British High Commission for his assistance in organizing the match and for the team’s contribution towards the match. Thanks also to Ultan for the donation and also for the fantastic story we now have about the day that someone flew from Dubai to play in one of our matches!
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.