Trans Nzoia reigned supreme at the Safaricom 5-Aside Rift Valley Regional Tournament. Kitale Media teams delivered a commanding performance, clinching both the winner and runner-up positions in an electrifying final held at the Kip Keino Arena, Eldoret.
In an all-Kitale showdown, Team A narrowly edged past Team B with a 2-1 victory in a tightly contested match. Goals from Mike Sikoyo and Zewede were enough to seal the win for Team A. Marvin Khayemba’s strike for Team B kept the pressure high in a thrilling encounter that had fans on their feet.
The winning side walked away with a cash prize of KES 50,000. Also the first runners-up earned KES 30,000. Both teams also received additional prizes including power banks and shopping vouchers courtesy of Safaricom.
To reach the final, Kitale Media Team A edged out Eldoret-based Daily Sports 1-0 in the semi-finals. Furthermore the Team B overcame Hubz Media in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
Speaking after the tournament, Emmanuel Sabuni, captain of Daily Sports, lauded the event not only for its competitive spirit but also for the opportunity it presented for connection and networking within the media fraternity.
“This was more than just a tournament, it was a reunion, a networking platform. A celebration of our industry. Some of us hadn’t met in years, and Safaricom, through today’s tournament, gave us that opportunity. We got to connect, compete and celebrate our craft,” said Emmanuel Sabuni, captain of Daily Sports.
The tournament was part of Safaricom’s regional media engagement initiative and also served as a curtain-raiser for the M-PESA Sokoni Caravan Tour. Additionally it has kicks off today in Turbo. The week-long activation is part of M-PESA @ 18 celebrations, where customers are set to win various gifts including cash prizes, shopping vouchers, merchandise, electronics, and other exciting surprises through the fan-favourite game, “M-PESA or the Box.”
Beyond the caravan, Safaricom has also organised numerous customer engagement initiatives geared towards capacity building, business growth and community empowerment.
These include Safire Connect for business minded customers. Safaricom Hook for the youth, Launch of doto Zetu phase 7 and M-Pesa Agents Awards, among others.