Kamukunji United, Fearless Ladies Crowned Simon Mbugua Cup 2025 Champions

Kamukunji United and Fearless Ladies were crowned champions of the 2025 Simon Mbugua Cup men’s and women’s categories, respectively, following thrilling finals held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Friday, December 19, 2025. In the men’s final, Kamukunji United, coached by Hussein Bebila, clinched the title after edging out Kapsambo FC 5–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in regulation time. The tightly contested match drew a host of leaders and dignitaries, among them tournament sponsor Simon Mbugua and former Nairobi County Governor Mike “Sonko” Mbuvi. Speaking after the victory, coach Bebila praised his players for their composure and determination. “The match was intense from the start, with both teams pushing for early goals. In the end, we achieved our target of emerging champions,” he said. Bebila noted that winning the top prize—a vehicle—would have a positive impact beyond the team, benefiting the wider Kamukunji Ward community and easing transport challenges for players during league fixtures. In the women’s final, Fearless Ladies, under the guidance of coach Ibrahim Kassim, staged a spirited comeback to defeat Moreno United 2–1. Moreno United struck first through Sharon Kemuma early in the second half, but Fearless responded strongly, with Rinket Ganta leading the turnaround to secure the title. Coach Kassim attributed the win to tactical adjustments made after conceding. “Even after going behind, I was confident we would turn the game around. We changed our approach in the first half, and the results followed,” he said, adding that the team was delighted to receive a vehicle as part of the tournament rewards. The mothers’ final saw Kiambiu Grannies claim a narrow 1–0 victory over Lioness Grannies to lift the title in their category. Several players were also recognized for individual excellence. Byron Omondi of Kiambiu Warriors was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Salim Abdulqafur of Eastleigh Youth finished as the tournament’s top scorer. At the same time, Andersen Mayende of Kiambiu Warriors was awarded Best Goalkeeper. Each received a cash prize of Sh10,000. The tournament was sponsored by Simon Mbugua, a former member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and a former Member of Parliament for Kamukunji, who currently serves as Chairman of the Policy Holders Compensation Fund (PCF). In the boys’ category, champions Kamukunji United received a 33-seater matatu, runners-up Kapsambo FC were awarded a 14-seater Nissan, while third-placed Kiambiu Warriors went home with an Uber minivan. In the women’s category, champions Fearless Ladies received an Uber minivan, runners-up Moreno United were awarded two motorcycles, and third-placed Pro Legends received one motorcycle. For the mothers’ teams, winners Kiambiu Grannies were awarded Sh500,000, second-placed Lioness Grannies received Sh250,000, while California True Grannies, who finished third, were awarded Sh100,000. The Simon Mbugua Cup once again underscored the growing impact of grassroots football in Nairobi, blending competitive action with meaningful community empowerment.