Bondo United Crowned Siaya Governor’s Cup Champions in Thrilling Final Against Ugunja

By Eric Omwombo 

Bondo United has been named the winner of the inaugural Siaya Football Governor’s Cup in the men’s category thus lifting the trophy and a whooping KES 1 million.

Bondo United from Bondo sub-County defeated Ugunja FC 2-0 in the final at Migwena grounds

Bondo Queens from Bondo sub-County won the women’s title after defeating Gem FC.2-0 The winners received a cash prize of Sh 100,000 while the second runner-up received Sh75,000 in both categories.

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Speaking after crowning the winners, Governor James Orengo said the tournament was the first of its kind in Siaya started on December 1st and brought together 640 teams across the 30 wards in the county.

The Governors Cup had attracted 120 teams.

He stated that the games attracted 2322 young men and women, with matches played.

The other discipline that took part in the Migwena events was basketball, Boxing and Tag-of-War.

The tag of War pitied Siaya County Staff and Metiro FC and despite the teams having equal kilograms, Siaya lost to Metiro in an entertaining game.

The athletes who won in the event were also rewarded with airtime from Safaricom

The top scorer, Jabez Otieno from Ugunja FC, was recognized and awarded a trophy.

The tournament serves as a platform to recognize and nurture youth’s sporting potential, encouraging local clubs to identify and nurture their talents. Hence, the county government is committed to investing in sporting activities to develop talent among the youth.

The County Governor, aims to promote global football opportunities for young people, preventing drug abuse and early pregnancies, and exposing them to emerging opportunities.

The event was also graced by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, Siaya First Lady Betty Orengo, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Siaya Deputy Speaker Andercus Oduor Odongo, Majority Leader Martin Otieno, and area MCA Eunice Ndolo who underscored the importance of such tournaments in developing sporting talents among the youth.

To ensure talents are tapped and developed, Siaya governor Orengo promised to develop Migwena not only as a sports stadium but academy.

“We have robust plans that if executed as prioritized, grassroots games will not be played thrice a day. We seek to double the awards for the winners to Sh 2 million as for now we have given Sh 1 million.

Orengo said he is keen on ensuring Siaya thrives in sports for it to attain the stature of being headquarters.

“This year, we have planned for the Lake Kanyaboli marathon where the winner will get Sh 1 million and we urge you to turn out in large numbers

Orengo said that a bicycle competition will also be programmed.

Orengo added that various sporting activities that have been embraced here at Migwena will be showcased in the Piny Luo festival in August this year.

“The program scheduled for August will take place at Siaya Stadium, Migwena, Got Ramogi, Wich Lum, Lwanda Kotieno and Jaramogi Museum,” said Orengo

Otiende was happy with the exemplary performance demonstrated in the fields and backed Orengo’o idea to develop Migwena.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi if we continue giving Governor James Orengo’s administration the necessary support, the Migwena, which is historically known for being the meeting grounds for the opposition leader the late Jaramogi Odinga’s wife Mary Odima

The late Jaramogi, who was then an athlete, met Mary who was among the participants.

“The Bondo United United that have won were tough and their game was so intertwining. They equally met the highly disciplined Ugunja FC which made them sweat to earn the trophy.

Also in attendance were Migwena sports and cultural organisers led by Sports executive Anjeline Oduor Chief Officer Peter Asuke Director Sanmac Okoth and his Deputy John Angawa.

The leaders were treated to traditional delicacies to mark Luo cultural week.