ELDORET — The first-ever Inua Kipaji Cup brought together nine youth teams from Kenya and Uganda over the weekend at Wareng High School, marking what organizers called a major step for grassroots football in the region.
The inaugural tournament featured players aged 7 to 15 competing across five age groups. The only international entrant, Source of the Nile Academy from Kampala, Uganda, made an immediate impact by sweeping both the U7 and U9 titles.
Local academies responded strongly in the older categories. Kimumu Youngsters Academy took the U11 crown, while Kay Academy from Eldoret claimed a double, winning both U13 and U15.
Inua Kipaji Cup: Full list of participants
- Espodec Sports Academy – Eldoret
- Source of the Nile Academy – Kampala, Uganda
- Eldoret City Academy – Eldoret
- Mwiruti Dogo – Eldoret
- Dogo Academy – Eldoret
- Kimumu Youngsters – Eldoret
- Washika Dau – Eldoret
- Golden Boys – Eldoret
- Kay Academy – Eldoret
Winners of Inua Kipaji Cup by category
- U7: Source of the Nile Academy
- U9: Source of the Nile Academy
- U11: Kimumu Youngsters Academy
- U13: Kay Academy
- U15: Kay Academy
Maurice Kamau, coach of Espodec Sports Academy and part of the organizing team, said the event exceeded expectations for a first edition.
“The tournament was the 1st edition and 1st of it’s kind in Eldoret. It was a big step towards the development of youth football in our region,” Kamau told Uasin Gishu News.
“We hope to make it even bigger in the next edition as it is our aim as the organization of Inua Kipaji Cup to make it an annual event,” he added.
Organizers said they plan to expand participation and facilities when the Inua Kipaji Cup returns next year, with the goal of establishing it as a yearly fixture on the Western Kenya youth football calendar.
