Bungoma Women Representative Catherine Wambilianga has officially inaugurated the ‘Wambilianga Super Cup Football Tournament’ themed ’Zero Tolerance to GBV’, coinciding with the circumcision season when many teenagers go through the rite.
Speaking at the launch event held at Chebukwa Secondary School in Kabuchai Constituency on Thursday, the MP highlighted her commitment to community engagement through sports.
The month-long tournament will traverse all 45 Wards of Bungoma County and progress through the county’s nine constituencies, offering a significant platform for youth empowerment and engagement.
The launch drew a large crowd of residents and local leaders, who gathered to witness the commencement of a tournament aimed at providing constructive activities for the county’s youth.
Recently, Bungoma has been in the limelight due to a troubling rise in teenage pregnancies, which often spike during the August circumcision season.
“During this time, school girls are frequently coerced into early sexual activity amidst the circumcision festivities, while young boys may fall into harmful behaviour such as drug abuse,” she stated.
The Ford Kenya MP’s initiative seeks to offer an alternative to negative influences that can pervade during this period, such as increased teen pregnancy and other social challenges.
“The tournament is not just about football; it’s about using sports as a tool to engage our youth and steer them away from harmful behaviours,” Wambilianga noted.
She said that her vision for the Super Cup extends beyond mere entertainment, aiming to highlight sports as a viable career path that can offer significant earning opportunities.
With over 400 teams registered, including both men’s and women’s teams, the tournament is set to cover a broad spectrum of talent and enthusiasm from across the county.
In addition to promoting sports, Wambilianga emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering discipline and a sense of community among participants.
“We are committed to ensuring that sports serve not only as a form of entertainment but also as a means to develop professional players who can represent our country on a larger stage,” she stated.
To support this goal, she plans to connect players with potential sponsors and enhance their visibility in national leagues.
Wambilianga also urged parents to play a proactive role in safeguarding their children during the August holiday and the circumcision festivities.
“It is crucial that parents remain vigilant and engaged during this period,” she said. “While we provide opportunities for youth through events like the Super Cup, the responsibility also lies with families to ensure that their children are guided and supervised. By maintaining close oversight, we can collectively prevent them from falling into negative influence and ensure they make the most of the positive opportunities available.”
The MP emphasized that active parental involvement is essential for the well-being of young people.
“Parents need to be aware of where their children are and what they are doing,” she added.
Matulo Ward MCA Steve Kaiser praised the tournament as a proactive step towards mitigating social issues.
Further, Kaiser commended the MP’s approach, noting its potential to keep youth engaged and away from detrimental vices such as drug abuse.
Ann Nasike, a local resident from Kimilili, expressed her enthusiasm for the newly launched Wambilianga Super Cup Football Tournament, as did Denis Wanyonyi, a youth from Webuye, who also lauded the Super Cup competition.
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