Governor Gladys Wanga’s annual end-year football tournament, involving all grassroots football teams in Homa Bay county is set for its grand finale this weekend after three weeks of action. Governor Gladys Wanga dribbles a ball at the Raila Odinga Stadium. The Genowa Governor’s Cup is reaching its grand finale after hosting six weeks of intense and entertaining sports in Homa Bay county.The annual event, held at the Raila Odinga Stadium, will culminate in an exciting celebration of sporting prowess. How many teams are participating in the Genowa Governor’s Cup Sixteen teams representing both male and female football, female netball, and male volleyball will compete for top prizes, including substantial cash rewards. Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Wanga said on Friday, December 29, that the tournament has helped the county with the talents of young people and also ensures that they are busy during festivities. “The football extravaganzas made us to get talents from the grassroots and ensure they get national platforms. We have also successfully fought drug and subsistence abuse through engaging youths in sports,” said Wanga. Gladys Wanga interacts with football players at the Raila Odinga Stadium. Photo: Dennis Lubanga/ TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original The teams set to face off in the last leg of the tournament on Saturday and Sunday emerged victorious from the ward-level preliminaries and subsequent sub-county finals, demonstrating their exceptional skills and dedication. With a staggering 320 teams initially registering for the event, over 10,000 players, team officials, and marshals have actively engaged in the sports extravaganza. A weekend-long event, the Genowa Governor’s Cup grand finals will showcase the talents of these formidable athletes, drawing the enthusiastic support of Governor Gladys Wanga and sports enthusiasts across the county. What the Genowa Governor’s Cup seeks to achieve The event promises to not only offer a display of exceptional sportsmanship but also provide a platform for unity and teamwork within the local community. As the countdown to the grand finale begins, anticipation continues to mount, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to this highly anticipated sporting showcase. The county seeks to use the annual tournament to woo sports investors into the devolved unit and encourage them to invest in sports facilities. Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga at the Raila Odinga Stadium TUKO.co.ke understands that the county boss is eager to promote the legendary Gor Mahia Shrine in Kanyamwa in Ndhiwa Sub-county as a sports tourism destination. Kenya Premier League team Gor Mahia Football Club draws its name and roots from the legend whose remains are in Ndhiwa. “We want sports investors to identify with Homa Bay County as a top sports tourism destination. We are fronting the Gor Mahia Shrine and other sports spots as must-visit places for visitors,” said Wanga. Why Gladys Wanga knelt in her office TUKO.co.ke previously reported that a video of Wanga kneeling to pray went viral. In the 39-second clip shared by Citizen TV on X, the county boss was filmed alighting from her car before entering the office. She then goes down on her knees to utter a word of prayer before beginning her duties. The video divided Kenyans, some supporting the first-term county boss and others calling her out.
by Dennis Lubanga