Usintate Fc are the new champions for the Ruruma ward annual Mazingira tournament 2014 edition after edging out Red star Fc by 4 goals against 3 in the finals held at Kasidi ground on 1st Feb.
Numerous attempts by from both sides to get a goal in the normal time proved to be a hard nut to crack.
The need to have the winner of the tournament, led to have the match decided of spot kicks where Usintate keeper, Oscar Dume and Red Star keeper, Dickson Munga saved a penalty each before Baya Mwamta buried Red star hope of clinching the title by missing a second penalty.
This was the second time for the final match after the first was abandoned in the last minutes for claims of bias officiating that led to chaos in the pitch.
However the organizing committee and the sponsor in collaboration with football Kenya federation officials from Kaloleni branch led by John Barisa, opted for referees from outside.
Mazingira tournament which has been sponsored by the now the Ruruma Member of County Assembly, Naphtali Kombo, has been running for the last 7 years with its finals usually set the weekend between chrismas and the first day of the year.
2014 finals was forced to cross to 2015 following a request from the chief guest the Kilifi county governor Amason Kingi, who wanted to grace the finals in person.
Addressing the players and fans present at the venue, Kingi urged all youth to maintain displine in and outside the playing pitch.
The governor revealed that plans were at advanced stage to have best talent in sporting activities earn a living from the county government.
“We started with football and our aim is to ensure we get the best talents among our children. We selected our county team and soon we are going to advertise to have our own county soccer coach who will be responsible in selecting the outstanding talents in football across the county.” Said Kingi.
The winner, Usintate Fc walk away with a set of playing kits, jumbo trophy and 100,000 cash prize while red star wiped their tears with a set of playing kit and 50,000 cash prize.
In addition, both top two teams went home with a second set of playing kit from Rabai Member of Parliament, William Kamoti.
All the 21 teams among them 5 girls team were awarded with a set of soccer playing uniform.
