The Jefta Mghana Football Tournament, now in its second edition, has become a unifying force for young people in Wusi Kishamba Ward, Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County.
Held during boxing day, the football competition has not only nurtured talent but also helped curb social vices such as drug abuse and idleness among the youth.
Established in 2023 by Jefta Mghana, a local resident and the sponsor, the tournament aims to engage young people in meaningful activities while fostering community cohesion.
Speaking at the tournament’s finals on December 26 at Dembwa Primary School grounds, Mghana highlighted the challenges of running the initiative but expressed satisfaction with its growing success.
“We started this tournament to keep our youths busy and away from drugs. Winners are awarded cash prizes where Ksh 25,000 and a trophy goes to the champions and Ksh 18,000 for the runners-up, to help them celebrate the festive season,” Mghana said.
The third and fourth champions received Ksh. 12,000 and 8,000 respectively.
The finals, which were played at Dembwa Primary grounds between Kungu FC and Dragon FC, were tightly contested, ending without a winner being declared.
The organizing committee decided to combine the prize money for the first and second positions and shared it equally between the two finalist teams. Plans for a rematch is underway to determine the overall champion, after which the winning team will receive the coveted trophy.
Mghana appealed to leaders and well-wishers to support the initiative, emphasizing that it is purely for the benefit of the youth and devoid of political motives.
“This tournament is about unity and creating opportunities for our children. We urge the governor, MPs, MCAs, and sponsors to come on board and support these young talents,” he said adding that, “This tournament has got no political ambition or inclination. These are our Youths and for those who may think that maybe we are doing this to cut short their political careers, this is not politically inclined.”
The tournament has received widespread praise for its positive impact on the community. According to Jeckonia Mwemba, Chairman of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Wusi Kishamba branch, the event has kept the youth busy during the festive season and has significantly reduced drug abuse.
“This is our second season, and the benefits are evident. The tournament has really helped our youths especially this Christmas holiday, the youths have been very busy since it started and the use of drugs have greatly dropped.,” said Mwemba.
Residents also expressed gratitude for the initiative. Juddy Kiling’a, a member of the Jefta Mghana Tournament committee and a mother from Kungu, lauded Mghana for his efforts, noting that the tournament has given young people a sense of purpose.
“When youths are engaged, they stay away from drugs and other vices that result in early pregnancies. This is a positive step for our community and if we continue like this, our youths will have the morale to work even harder.,” she said.
The organizing chairman of the Mghana Cup, Laban Kindochimu, acknowledged the challenges faced during the tournament but commended Mghana for his unwavering dedication.
He called on other sponsors and well-wishers to support the event to ensure its sustainability and expansion.
“This is a very good initiative, and we wish the sponsor who is Jefta Mghana success in his endeavors because we have seen he has the heart to help the community. To other sponsors and anyone who is willing to support the community, let’s hold hands and work with like-minded people like Jefta Mghana and support our youths,” Kindochimu said.
While the tournament has faced funding challenges, its impact on the youth and the community at large cannot be underestimated. For many participants, it is more than just a football competition. It is a platform for growth, discipline, and exposure.
By providing an outlet for their energy and talent, the tournament has become a beacon of hope for many young people in the region.
With the high rates of unemployment and the prevalence of drug abuse in Taita Taveta County, initiatives like this tournament play a critical role in shaping a better future. The competition not only fosters sportsmanship but also instills essential values such as teamwork, perseverance, and self-discipline among the participants.
As plans for the third edition begin, there is optimism that more sponsors and stakeholders will come forward to support the tournament.
Mghana notes that the dream is to expand its reach, attract more teams, and potentially identify talent that could represent the county at national and international levels.
