Safaricom, through its Safaricom Hook (S-Hook) initiative, has partnered with Kambi Safi Community Initiative to support four grassroots football teams in Mathare with sports equipment aimed at empowering young people through football.
The initiative, held at the Mcedo Beijing Grounds in Mathare, is part of efforts to create safe spaces for youth, nurture resilience and promote sports as a pathway to opportunity and professional growth.
Over 200 Young Players Benefit from Mentorship Program
Kambi Safi runs the True Colours Football Team, a grassroots programme that trains and mentors more than 200 boys and girls aged between 8 and 18 years.
Beyond football training, the programme provides psychological support to children who have experienced trauma while promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, confidence and resilience.
During the event, four teams — Young Cranes, Beijing Raiders, Flames FC and True Colours FC- received football kits, balls, tactical boards and goalkeeper gloves courtesy of S-Hook.
Community Leaders Highlight Importance of Safe Spaces
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Kambi Safi Chairman Peter Njogu said the partnership reflects the impact of community-driven initiatives in transforming the lives of young people.
Njogu noted that providing mentorship, safe spaces, and opportunities for young people to showcase their talents helps build confidence, inspire hope and steer youth away from negative influences.
Initiative Supports Safaricom Chapa Dimba Vision
The S-Hook initiative aligns with the upcoming Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, which aims to identify and nurture football talent across the country.
Through programmes such as S-Hook and Chapa Dimba, Safaricom is seeking to engage Gen Z audiences within informal settlements and encourage young people to view sports not only as recreation but also as a potential professional career path.
Local Teams Shine in Mathare Youth Derby
The event also featured two competitive 7-aside matches showcasing local talent.
In the girls’ fixture, Beijing Raiders staged a comeback to defeat Flames FC 3-1, with a decisive penalty helping the team level the match before securing victory.
The boys’ clash, dubbed the Mathare Youth Derby, saw Young Cranes defeat True Colours FC 2-0 in the first half before holding on for the win until the final whistle.
Winning teams received trophies, while participating clubs were also encouraged to register for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, where they will compete from ward level to the national stage.