By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenyatta University clinched the inaugural Eric Marcelo Ouma Supa Eight Tournament following their hard fought 4-3 victory on post-match penalties against the hosts Strathmore University.
The end-to-end match produced every ingredient of a classical final in front of a charged crowd at the Strathmore University Sports complex.
Despite multiple goal scoring attempts on both sides, the mouth-watering game needed post-match spot kicks to decide the winner.
John Mbaraka skied Strathmore’s third penalty as Joshua Wamanga netted the winner for KU to send their loud fans into delirium.
Kenyatta University captain Austin Tandasi who converted the first penalty expressed his elation after the win.
“I am so happy, it’s a great moment for our team and this victory is a product of our determination, discipline and teamwork. I would like to appreciate Eric Ouma for the wonderful initiative. This is a platform that we have lacked for a long time and it’s a good stage for players on campus,” said Tandasi.
Head coach Kelvin Ngare was over the moon after the glorious evening in Madaraka.
“We had prepared well for the tournament. We had a good time for like four months since we knew about this cup. Winning against tough opposition is really satisfying and I would like to thank Eric Ouma for this kind gesture. It means a lot for the players.”
Eight teams namely: Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, KCA, Mount Kenya, Methodist University, Africa International, St. Pauls’ and Zetech University took part in the premier edition that began on Saturday 30th June.
Winners KU walked away with ksh 100,000 while the runners up got 50,000. Bronze medalists Mount Kenya University who beat Kenya Methodist University 3-1 in the play-off banked ksh 25,000.
The tournament is a brain-child of Harambee Stars speedy defender Eric Ouma who expressed desire to scale the heights of university football talents.
“We have had a thrilling three-day football extravaganza. We have witnessed great skills being displayed from the group stage to the final. What we have seen is actually in tandem with the objective of the tournament which is to give opportunities to players on campus to show their talents and career progression.”
