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Why Kenya's oldest grassroots football tournament ‘Koth Biro' Cup faces imminent death

Can Okeyo

Borrusia FC's Can Okeyo (right) vies for the ball with Leads United's Henry Api during the Koth Biro final at Ziwani grounds on February 6, 2022.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

By  John Kimwere

Contributor

What you need to know:

  • The grassroots football tournament is the oldest competition in the country.  It has given rise to some of the most notable footballers in the country, among them Kenyan football legends Austine  ‘Makamu’ Oduor, who died in November last year, Abbas Magongo,  Mahmoud Abbas,  Josphat Murila,  Mickey Weche and Sammy Omollo.

‘Koth Biro' Cup, an annual grassroots football tournament held at Umeme Grounds in Ziwani, Nairobi County, risks not taking place due to lack of sponsorship.

The tournament, which takes place between August and December every year,  has been a major platform for local talent development. Professional players on off-season break normally join upcoming talent at the dusty Umeme Grounds in Starehe Constituency to play for various teams.

This season’s tournament started in August last year but took a break in December due to lack of sponsorship before the final could be played.

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Kiambiu Warriors from Jerusalem were scheduled to play Mathare Combined in the final.

“We halted the tournament just when we were due to play the final match after we failed to get a sponsor. The sponsor whom we previously depended on withdrew at the last minute,”  the tournament’s chief executive officer, Issa Musa, said.

He has appealed sponsors to come forward and partner them in developing football talent at the grassroots.

“It will be a big shame if we fail to play this season’s final match. We are appealing for corporates to come on board and sponsor the tournament. We need money to award the winners,” Mutie told Nation Sport.

The grassroots football tournament is the oldest competition in the country.  It has given rise to some of the most notable footballers in the country, among them Kenyan football legends Austine ‘Makamu’ Oduor, who died in November last year, Abbas Magongo,  Mahmoud Abbas,  Josphat Murila,  Mickey Weche and Sammy Omollo.

Other players to have cut their teeth in football at the tournament are Jamal Mohammed, Dennis Oliech, Arnold Origi,  Mike Okoth, Victor Mugabe, former Bandari FC coach,  Rishadi Shedu and Kevin Omondi of Gor Mahia. 

Football Kenya Federation’s Deputy President, McDonald Mariga also played in the tournament. 

This season’s tournament is the 47th edition and was scheduled to end in December.

“We have moved from one company to another looking for funds without success,’’ Musa said.