By KPC Reporter
Bondo United FC and Magina Girls, both from Siaya County, emerged victorious in the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba on Sunday.
The Nyanza region finals at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay were tournament powered by SportPesa.
Bondo United were crowned the new regional champions after edging out Migori-based Awendo FC 1–0, courtesy of an own goal by Clinton Ochieng in the 32nd minute.
The goal resulted from sustained pressure by the Bondo United attack, who dominated most of the match.
In the women’s final, coach Hamisi Daudi’s Magina Girls secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Nyamira’s Masosa Starlets.
The decisive goal came in the 16th minute when Scolastica sliced through Masosa’s defence to find the back of the net.
“The game was tough because our opponents were really good. We created many chances that we didn’t fully capitalise on as their defence was solid. But we kept pressing, and the pressure paid off with the goal that gave us victory,” said Magina Girls player, Nora Peter.
“This win means a lot to our team, and we’re grateful to SportPesa for organising this tournament. It means a lot to many grassroots teams.”
Earlier, Bondo United had booked their place in the final with a 2–0 victory over Sindo Select FC, while Awendo FC advanced after defeating Bobaracho FC 5–4 in a penalty shootout.
As regional champions, Bondo United walked away with Ksh 250,000 annually for the next three years, along with home and away kits. Magina Girls received a one-off prize of Ksh 50,000, which will go towards purchasing training equipment.
Both teams will also benefit from a three-year mentorship programme under SportPesa’s Tujiamini platform, designed to nurture and empower grassroots talent across Kenya.
“These kinds of tournaments are very important for grassroots football here in mashinani. With prize money to play for, the players are highly motivated, and that’s why the level of football is so impressive,” said Eric Tutem, Head Coach of Bondo United.
“I want to commend SportPesa for this initiative. The prize money we’ve won will go a long way in supporting our team as we prepare to enter the Division One League.”
The Nyanza regional tournament featured eight teams — six men’s and two women’s — all battling for top honours.
“Tujiamini is more than a platform; it’s a movement that nurtures belief and rewards potential. From sports to community initiatives, it serves as an incubator for talent and growth,” said Japhet Akhulia, Head of Partnership and Sponsorship at SportPesa.
“Each leg has shown us that when people believe in themselves, greatness follows, and many of those we started with are still rising today.”
Alongside the high-stakes football matches, the event also saw the unveiling of Nyanza’s Tujiamini Community Award winners — a celebration of individuals and groups using their talents to improve their communities.
In the Nyanza region, the Gold Award went to Jacob Omulo of Nyorwa CBO in Homa Bay, who received Ksh 1,000,000 for empowering persons with disabilities and widowed women through agribusiness and livelihood support.
The Silver Awards were presented to Joash Ochieng, founder of Girwa Radio 99.5 FM, who received Ksh 100,000 for leading a regional sports campaign that gives local athletes and fans a voice through storytelling and dialogue.
Joseph Okal, a Kisumu-born national triathlete and Commonwealth Games participant, also received Ksh 100,000 for promoting sports excellence and athlete advocacy as a commissioner with the National Olympic Committee.
John Apollo, founder of the Nyanza Badminton Open Tournament, was also awarded Ksh 100,000 for establishing and sponsoring the annual event that nurtures more than 200 players each year and creates a pathway for national and international talent.
In addition, 50 community changemakers were recognised with the Bronze “Kwa Ground” Awards, each receiving Ksh 10,000 in appreciation of their impact at the grassroots level.
The Tujiamini platform powered by SportPesa seeks to empower individuals through sport, unlocking potential and fostering positive development for both themselves and their communities.
The next tournament will be held in Bomet on 15th November 2025, where eight teams are expected to compete.