How the Grand Sammy Mutea Football Tournament 4th Edition Unfolded in Zombe/Mwitika Ward
The 4th Edition of the grand Sammy Mutea Football Cup Tournament delivered an electrifying weekend of football action as teams battled for the coveted championship title. The two-day tournament kicked off on Friday, November 28, 2025, and culminated in thrilling finals on Saturday, November 29, at the Kaumu Community Grounds in Zombe/Mwitika Ward.
The tournament which brought together 6 teams across Zombe/Mwitika Ward including; Ndakani FC, Kawea FC, Kasunguni FC, Kavaani FC, Ngaaka Yakwa FC, and Spartans FC took part in this year’s contest. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as hundreds of fans from all corners of the ward and Kitui East constituency at large flocked to support their teams.
Before the finals began, the tournament’s patron and organizer, Mr. Sammy Mutea, made a grand entrance into Zombe Town. His arrival brought the town to a standstill as a convoy of cars, motorbikes, and hundreds of jubilant youths escorted him to the venue, showcasing unwavering community support he enjoys.
The Semi-Finals delivered unforgettable football moments where in Semi-Final 1: Ndakani FC staged a dramatic comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit to l defeat Kasunguni FC 3-2 securing a place in the Finals. In the Semi-Final 2, saw Kavaani FC and Kawea FC draw 1-1 in regular time, taking the match to penalties. Kawea FC triumphed 6-5 in the shootout, booking their slot in the championship showdown.
In the battle for the third place, Kasunguni FC and Kavaani FC played to a 1-1 draw in regular time forcing the match be decided on penalties where Kasunguni FC won 4-3 in the shootouts, earning a 3rd place finish.
The highly anticipated final pitted tournament giants Ndakani FC against Kawea FC. Ndakani FC dominated the match, securing a resounding 3-0 victory to emerge as champions of the 4th Edition of the Sammy Mutea Football Cup Tournament.
The tournament concluded with a colourful awarding ceremony led by Sammy Mutea, during which all participating teams were recognized and rewarded. Newly crowned champions Ndakani FC walked away with Ksh. 50,000, a trophy and a full branded jersey set , and a match ball. Kawea FC, the runners-up, received Ksh. 30,000, a full branded jersey set, and a match ball.
Third placed Kasunguni FC took home Ksh. 10,000 and a full branded jersey set while Kavaani FC, who finished fourth, earned Ksh. 7,000 and a branded jersey set, while last year’s 3rd Edition champions, Spartans FC secured fifth place bagging Ksh. 6,000 and a jersey set. Ngaaka Yakwa FC who finished in the sixth place, concluded the tournament with Ksh. 3,000 and a full branded jersey set.
Special individual accolades were also awarded to the outstanding performers of the tournament, with this year’s Sam’s Tournament 4th Edition champions, Ndakani FC, sweeping all the individual honors. The Best Goalkeeper received a trophy and Ksh. 2,000, the Best Coach of Ndakani FC was also presented with a trophy and Ksh. 2,000, and the Best Player likewise earned a trophy and Ksh. 2,000.
While addressing the media, philanthropist and tournament patron Sammy Mutea emphasized his commitment to empowering youth in Zombe/Mwitika Ward. He reaffirmed that the annual tournament, launched in 2021, aims to unite young people, nurture football talent, promote discipline, keep youth away from drugs, and foster community development. “As you all know, the December holiday is usually long. That’s why I try to hold such events to unite and engage our youths and keep them away from negative influences,” he stated.
This year’s tournament was graced by notable personalities, including Zombe/Mwitika Ward MCA Hon. Malinga Munyao, officials from the FKF Kitui County branch, members of the clergy among others.
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