Former Premier League Stars Shine as Sakaja Super Cup Heats Up.
Former Kenyan national football team captain, Victor Wanyama, witnessed his boyhood team, Country Bus FC, secure a convincing victory in the second round of the Sakaja Super Cup, played in the Starehe sub-county at Landi Mawe grounds over the weekend. The match saw Wanyama’s team dispatch Ziwani All Stars with a final score of 3-1, marking a memorable performance.
Shawn Junior emerged as the standout player with a brilliant brace, while Brian Okulu also contributed with a goal, leading Country Bus FC to their well-deserved win. Notably, Victor Wanyama, the first Kenyan to score in the UEFA Champions League and formerly a key player for English Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur, started his playing career with Country Bus FC. His roots in the team make this victory even more significant.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as several other exciting matches took place in the Sakaja Super Cup second round. In Kibera, Mashimoni edged out Boca Junior 3-2, while Spark Generation suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Interdinamory at the Kenya National Hospital grounds. James Odhiambo’s lone goal condemned Kenya Science Ballers to a 1-0 loss against Laini Saba.
The competition also witnessed the resurgence of former Kenyan Premier League teams. Hakati Sportiff made a strong comeback after a previous loss, defeating 11 Stars 3-2 at Canon Apollo ground in Mbotela estate. Meanwhile, Jericho All Stars, winners over Hakati Sportiff, suffered a 2-1 defeat against Michezo Halisi.
In another exciting match, former Premier League side Black Mamba secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Rada Sports at Makongeni grounds. Notable goalscorers for Black Mamba included Oduor Chrisphine, Sisia Tom, and Jay Mackenzi, while Stephen Nenya netted Rada’s consolation goal.
Teams such as Dagoretti South’s B-13, Roysambu’s Pan African University (PAC), and Embakasi North’s Kariobangi FC continued their winning streaks, making it two wins in a row in the competition sponsored by the Sakaja Foundation. Kariobangi FC secured a 1-0 victory over Dandora All Stars in Embakasi North, B-13 beat Melta Kabiria by a similar margin, and Pan African University trounced Chapel Field FC 3-1 in Roysambu. In Roysambu, Zimmerman United and City Lions fought to a 1-1 draw at Mahiga Primary School.
The action was not limited to one location, as in Kasarani, Wolfsburg were defeated 2-0 by Maaji, with goals scored by David Iranzi and Dennis Kiarie at Muhuri Muchiri grounds in Njiru. Clay City edged out Kasarani FC 2-1, and Buruburu Sport managed to secure a 1-0 victory with a 20th-minute lone strike by Kelvin Mutiso in Makadara.
Several other teams left their mark, with Bahati All Stars earning easy points via a walkover, JASA Academy beating Maringo All Stars 2-1, and Derrick Podumba scoring a hat-trick for Makadara Youth FC in a 3-0 victory. 1000 Sportiff triumphed over Tel Aviv with a 5-0 win, featuring goals from Namel Collins, Nieman Moses, Trevor Omondi, and Kathama Musyoka.
Embakasi South witnessed a 1-1 draw between FC Barca and Shofco, with Brian Opwaka and Anthony Onyango making notable contributions. Reuben equalized in the dying minutes to hold Legends to a 2-2 draw, featuring goals from Christopher Milo, Kelvin Wafula, and Faisal Mwaro.
In Ruaraka, Elly Omondi scored from a penalty to secure Titans a 1-0 win over Ruaraka Sports, while Ajax Rock City edged out Lucky Summer All Stars 1-0 at Baba Dogo grounds. Baba Dogo Babes secured a 2-0 victory over Mathare Flames with goals from Joseph Owuor and Keluih Odhiambo.
In Kamkunji, Daniel Mwangi netted a lone goal for Eastleigh South United to secure a victory over Kinyagonas, while Usacli beat Gikomba All Stars 2-1. Embakasi West saw Sintos Charity beating T.O.C 2-0, and Ten Daily overwhelmed Outer Ring FC by the same margin at Tumaini Primary School.
As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to the next round of matches scheduled for October 28th-29th, 2023. The Sakaja Super Cup promises more thrilling football action as the competition intensifies, with the fourth round set to take place on November 4th-5th.