On February 26, 2022, City Stadium in Nairobi witnessed the crowning of two champions in the Johanna Omollo Foundation inter-schools soccer tournament. Friends School Dandora took home the boys title, while Starlight Academy emerged victorious in the girls category.
The one-day tournament drew a total of seven schools from Embakasi North Constituency, Nairobi. Friends School Dandora edged out Ushirika Secondary School 5-4 in post-match penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regular time. Starlight Academy, on the other hand, secured a win over Kinyago Secondary School via post-match kicks, having played to a 0-0 draw in regular time.
The tournament, organized by Harambee Stars midfielder Johanna Omollo, aims to provide the youth with a sporting chance and an alternative to social vices. The event also served as a platform to select female players who will form Dandora Starlets, a female football club that will compete in league matches.
Ushirika Secondary School students Lavender Katsira and Patricia Katunge praised the tournament for helping them avoid social ills. 'It gives girls a chance to avoid getting involved in other stuff that can harm them,' Lavender said. Patricia added, 'If you are given an ability, you should create time for it to be discoverable.'
Starlight Academy's Sofia Mulangi expressed her delight at being part of the tournament, saying, 'The tournament has given us exposure, and those who played could be selected to form a new team, Dandora Stalets.' She also emphasized the importance of the tournament in keeping girls busy and reducing the number of early pregnancies, crime, and drug consumption.
Victor Akumu, Public Relations official from the Johanna Omollo Foundation, announced plans to form a training schedule for the newly formed Dandora Starlets in a week's time.
