This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
December 17, 2019, marked the end of the East African Chipkizi Cup 2019, a youth soccer tournament held in Arusha, Tanzania. The event, organized by Future Stars Academy, attracted over 120 teams from seven countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda.
Kenya's contingent to the tournament performed impressively, winning several awards in the Under 13, Under 11, and Under 9 playoffs. Soka Talent Academy took the Under 13 title, while Angaza Academy picked the Under 11 and 7 titles. Nairobi-based Express Soccer Club won the main cup Under 9 title, and Juve Soccer Academy, based in Nairobi Valley Arcade, won the Under 9 plate title.
Speaking on their return, Juve Academy Director and Head Coach Eric Ouma praised the tournament, saying it provided an exceptional regional talent nurturing platform for their junior teams. 'The East African Chipkizi Cup tournament continues to provide an exceptional regional talent nurturing a platform for our Junior teams. The exposure in Arusha with playoffs between Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda among other countries was invaluable and served to build our teams confidence,' Ouma said.
As the largest youth tournament in the region, plans are underway to transform the Chipkizi Cup into a fully-fledged continental competition, fostering social cohesion and providing a talent scouting platform.
