The inaugural Abbas Khalif Super Cup delivered a finale that blended competitive football with rare, tangible rewards, leaving Langata buzzing long after the final whistle. Played before thousands at the Ulinzi Complex on December 20, 2025, the showpiece underlined a growing shift in grassroots sport where victory translates into real empowerment.
South C Rangers emerged champions through grit and precision, lifting silverware and driving away a 33-seater bus. Beyond the scoreline, the tournament showcased ambition, unity, and a clear message that football can change lives.
Abbas Khalif Super Cup Sets New Standard for Grassroots Football
From its kickoff on November 10, 2025, the Abbas Khalif Super Cup was designed to be different. Organized in memory of the late Raila Amollo Odinga, the competition brought together 40 teams drawn from five wards, creating a wide and inclusive platform for emerging talent. Each side received Sh50,000 in facilitation and a full set of jerseys, ensuring professionalism and equal footing from the opening round.
The structure and consistency paid off. Week after week, packed venues reflected rising interest, while matches were fiercely contested yet marked by sportsmanship. Organizers emphasized unity and teamwork, values that resonated throughout the campaign. By the time the finalists walked onto the pitch at Ulinzi Complex, the tournament had already cemented its place as a serious development pathway rather than a one-off exhibition.
For Abbas Khalif, who is eyeing the Langata parliamentary seat in 2027, the vision went beyond football. Speaking after the final, he reiterated that the tournament aimed to empower the youth and offer them practical support. “We are here to uplift their lives. We will walk with them,” he said, a sentiment echoed by players who felt seen and supported.
South C Rangers Claim Historic Title Through Discipline
South C Rangers etched their name into history with a narrow 1–0 victory over State City in a tense final. The decisive moment arrived in the 58th minute when diminutive forward Ali Maleche punished a lapse in State City’s defense. Showing composure beyond his years, he chested down a teasing cross before rifling a superb finish into the far corner.
The goal crowned a disciplined display. South C Rangers balanced defensive solidity with quick transitions, frustrating opponents while creating enough chances to stay dangerous. They could have wrapped up the contest earlier, squandering two clear opportunities, yet their resolve never wavered.
At the final whistle, celebrations were amplified by the ultimate prize. The champions were awarded a 33-seater Isuzu mini bus, a reward that instantly elevated the significance of their triumph. The vehicle symbolizes more than victory; it represents mobility, opportunity, and sustainability for a community-based team.
State City and Kuwinda Rewarded Despite Defeat
State City responded to going behind with urgency, fashioning several chances in search of an equalizer. Their downfall lay in profligacy in front of goal, where promising moves failed to yield the finish required to force extra time. Still, their journey to the final earned them recognition and a 14-seater matatu, ensuring they did not leave empty-handed.
The same reward went to Kuwinda, who dominated Akiba 3–0 in the third-place playoff. The emphatic win underlined their attacking depth and resilience after missing out on the final. For both teams, the vehicles offer immediate logistical support, easing travel for league fixtures and training.
Within camps, debate has already emerged. Some players and officials favor retaining the buses for team operations, strengthening long-term competitiveness. Others advocate selling the vehicles and sharing the proceeds among squad members, highlighting the financial pressures many players face. Either path reflects the real-world impact of the Abbas Khalif Super Cup rewards.
Individual brilliance lights up the Abbas Khalif Super Cup
Beyond team honors, the tournament celebrated standout individual performances. South C Rangers goalkeeper Kevin Masongo was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after registering an impressive five clean sheets, anchoring his side’s march to glory with calm authority.
Final hero Ali Maleche capped his influence by being crowned Most Valuable Player. For him, the accolade represents more than personal glory; it is a stepping stone toward a bigger dream in the game. His decisive goal and consistent threat marked him as one to watch beyond the neighborhood pitches.
Kuwinda’s John Wambua walked away with the Golden Boot after netting seven goals, his sharp finishing a highlight of the competition. Together, the award winners embodied the depth of talent on display.
As the dust settles on a thrilling first edition, the Abbas Khalif Super Cup has delivered on its promise. Competitive football, emerging stars, and meaningful rewards combined to set a benchmark for community tournaments. In Langata, the buses driving away from Ulinzi Complex carried more than players; they carried hope, ambition, and a clear sign that grassroots football can be a vehicle for real change.
