Hosts Black Stars got off to a flying start in the inaugural Harvest of Hope Soccer Cup tournament Monday that got underway at Nangoma Primary School in Matayos Sub County, Busia County.
Stars hammered their sub branch league opponents, Mabunge 5-1 to put themselves on course to wrestle the cup sponsored by Nangoma based Mt. of Hope Medical Centre under Harvest of Hope Africa.
Black Stars which participated in the just ended sub branch league finishing fourth took a deserved lead in the 18th minute when left winger, Samuel ” Olunga” Wandera beat Mabunge goalkeeper, Victor Eugene with a low drive shot before Samson Anene made it 2-0 three minutes later to go in the breather with two goals advantage.
The home team came back from the break with more vigour that saw right winger, Ezekiel Wanyama net the third goal with a block buster from 25 metres in the 50th minute.
Two more goals from Silas Ouma in the 52nd minute and Anene in the 63rd made it 5-0 before Ferdinand Otieno scored Mabunge’s consolation goal in the 75th minute.
Mt of Hope Medical Centre offers primary and secondary education, orphanage for children aged 13-18 years, hospital at Budimbidi village and Rehabilitation services.
Phylis Bwire of Mt of Hope said the tournament is targeting the youth to empower them owing to increased crime, teenage pregnancies, drug abuse and mental illness, adding: “Idle mind is a devil’s workshop, thus the need to keep them busy especially during holidays. She said the annual event will cascade to other areas in the county.
FKF Matayos South Sub Branch Coordinator, Paul Ngota thanked Harvest of Hope founder, Mr Fredrick Munuku for the kind gesture of offering to sponsor talents that abound in the area.
Ngota said 12 teams are featuring in the event. They are Muungano FC, Labour, Nasewa, Murende Highlanders, Black Stars, Lunga, Uprising Little Angels, Riverside, Mabunge United, Muyafwa All Stars, Lwanya All Stars and Rising Stars.
He said all participating teams will receive a set of uniforms, a ball and cash token each with the winners, besides taking home uniforms, balls and cash, will be also awarded trophies.
