Busia County Under-23 Soccer Team Clinches Victory in 9th KYISA Edition

The Busia County Under-23 football team emerged triumphant in the 9th Edition of the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) games, officially crowned winners at a ceremony held at Butwani Beach in Malindi, Kilifi County.

The event saw County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Youth Affairs, and Gender, Paul Olunga Ekwenye, express gratitude towards Kilifi County and the KYISA Local Organizing Committee for their efforts in organizing a successful competition amidst various challenges.

“We expect all 47 counties to participate in this competition, which provides a platform to nurture youth talent. Our victory here is attributed to thorough preparation, highlighting Busia’s prowess in soccer, evident in our girls’ team winning the inaugural Talanta Hela and earning a prize of Sh 5 million,” remarked Ekwenye, paying homage to soccer icons such as JJ Mariga, Mc Donald Mariga, and Victor Wanyama, who hail from Busia.

Dennis Ngira, Chief Officer of the Department of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Gender, commended Kilifi County for their excellent organization while acknowledging Wajir’s Under-23 soccer team for their commendable performance, despite the scales tipping in favor of Busia.

“I applaud Wajir for their efforts, although Busia ultimately prevailed due to their experience. Embracing sports ensures our youth flourish and become responsible members of society,” stated Ngira.

Mohammed Noor, the Governor’s Political Advisor, praised the youths for their exemplary display, affirming Governor H.E. Paul Nyongesa Otuoma’s commitment to talent promotion.

Victor Jerry Otuoma, Chairperson of the Kenya Beach Handball Federation and Director of Sports in the County Government of Busia, extended gratitude to Kilifi County for hosting all participating teams in various disciplines, including soccer and basketball.

In recognition of their victory, the Busia County soccer team was awarded a trophy, gold medals, and Kshs 100,000.

The prize-giving ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Wajir Governor H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, members of the KYISA Executive Committee, CECMs, Chief Officers, Deputy Governors, Directors, and other esteemed guests.

The success of the Busia County Under-23 soccer team underscores the importance of sports in nurturing talent and fostering camaraderie among youth across Kenya.