Deep in Chwele, Kabuchai Ward of Kabuchai Constituency, a football match unfolds under a scorching early afternoon sun on a dusty, makeshift pitch. Whirlwinds sweep across the field, lifting dry twigs and leaves into the air, threatening to disrupt the only real chance at goal before the final whistle.
Then it happens.
“Gooooaaaal!” the crowd erupts as Umoja FC scores the lone goal of the afternoon. Players rush to celebrate with Abraham Wekesa, the scorer and man of the match, as even the wind seems to join the moment.
The celebration is short-lived. Strong gusts tear through the already worn goal net, forcing players to scramble for safety — a stark reminder of the harsh conditions young footballers in rural Bungoma endure in their pursuit of recognition.
To many onlookers, it appears to be just another friendly match. But Wekesa explains that the 11-a-side game is a crucial fitness test ahead of a competitive weekend fixture.
“My dream is to join a national team, where I can showcase my talent and earn a living from football,” he says, pausing to catch his breath.
Born in Namirama Village and educated at Namirama Primary School, the 19-year-old former Bukembe High School student represents countless gifted players whose talents remain largely unnoticed.
Wekesa says stiff competition, bribery, limited exposure and a lack of training facilities have consistently blocked his path to professional football. Still, he remains hopeful that discipline and regular training will one day pay off.
His sentiments are echoed by Gerry Wayong’o, captain of Mabanga FC, who is preparing his side for a clash against Madisi FC in the Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament this Saturday at Khachonge Stadium.
“Opportunities to practise and showcase talent at primary level are rare. Most chances come in secondary school, and even then, exposure is limited unless you attend an extra-county or national school,” Wayong’o says.
Mabanga FC has never hosted a home match due to uneven playing surfaces and poor infrastructure at Mabanga Primary School. Since the tournament began in November, away matches have strained the team’s limited resources, forcing players to cater for transport and meals.
“We yearn to be registered in a league. That way, we can attract support and even individual sponsors,” he adds.
Despite the challenges, Wayong’o is grateful for the opportunity the tournament has provided.
“The organisation has been good. All 24 teams received full kits — uniforms, balls, first-aid kits and boots,” he notes.
He reveals that three of his players have already caught the attention of coaches from other teams and are expected to move on once the tournament concludes.
Clutching his worn-out football boots, Wayong’o carefully slips into plastic sandals before heading home, mindful not to damage his only pair of playing shoes.
The young footballers are among teams competing in the Dr. Juma Mukhwana Tournament, coordinated by Caxton Simiyu.
“Each of the four wards in Kabuchai Constituency produced two teams, which advanced to the quarter-finals last weekend,” Simiyu explains. “We are now down to Mabanga FC, Madisi FC, Mukuyuni FC and Milimani FC, who will contest the finals this weekend.”
The tournament will culminate on December 31, with awards for best player, goalkeeper, midfielder, defender and captain. An additional Kabuchai All-Stars team will also be selected from the competition.
Launched on November 1 at Nalondo Stadium, the tournament has brought together over 24 teams, all competing for a grand prize of Sh50,000.
In a show of commitment to grassroots sports development, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, a native of the area and Principal Secretary for Industry, provided full kits, balls and first-aid supplies to all participating teams.
“The runners-up will receive Sh30,000, second runners-up Sh20,000 and third runners-up Sh10,000,” Simiyu says, adding that teams eliminated earlier will also receive cash awards.
Beyond competition, the tournament has united youths from diverse backgrounds, fostering camaraderie, discipline and hope.
Dr. Mukhwana says the initiative is driven by a passion for youth empowerment and sports development.
“The primary objective of this tournament is to promote sports, foster unity and provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents,” he says.
Through the Juma Mukhwana Foundation, the PS also aims to bridge education gaps by sponsoring players at secondary and tertiary levels.
“Our goal is to bring out the best in these young men and women and support them towards local and international opportunities,” he adds.
