Lusaka Launches Football Tournament To Curb Teenage pregnancies In Bungoma

By Isabella Maua

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka launched the ‘Lusaka Cup’ on Monday, purposefully to not only nurture local football talents but also curb soaring teenage pregnancies.

The tournament dubbed ‘Sakata boli, Epuka boli’ (translated as play football, avoid pregnancy) is the governor’s brainchild initiative, geared towards empowering the youth through sporting activities.

Lusaka observed that such tournaments will enhance productivity weekamong the youth during this long festive season and instil virtues among them.

“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop; we have initiated this tournament to keep our youths busy and reduce the surging numbers of teenage pregnancies among school-going girls,” he stated.

He bemoaned that many youths engage in unproductive activities occasioned by a lack of employment and therefore should be made aware through such campaigns.

“Youths are the future of this great nation, but the majority perish because of a lack of knowledge. We want to build their capacity through sports,” he emphasized.

The Lusaka Cup will be held annually, with competing teams rooted in all 45 wards.

Thousands of Bungoma football enthusiasts were treated to a spectacular friendly match between Bungoma Superstars and Bungoma Stars during the first edition at Uwanja Ndege Grounds in Kanduyi sub-county.

Adorning the occasion were: Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany, MCAs, CECMs; Eng. Agnes Wachiye (Youth and Sports); Caro Makali (Trade); Dr. Andrew Wamalwa (Health); Douglas Sasita (Lands); and senior county staff, among others.