A total of 247 teams will be up in action in the first knock out round of the second edition of the Sakaja Super Cup that kicks off this weekend.
The draw for the first round was conducted live on Facebook, Friday, October 18, 2024 ahead of the opening ceremony and launch match which is planned to take place on Saturday, October 19 at the Dandora Stadium between defending champions, Githurai Allstars (GAS), and home side Dandora United in a 12:00 PM kick-off.
In the draw, which was conducted to include all the 17 sub-counties in Nairobi, teams which have registered to play in the lower Football Kenya Federation Nairobi Branches leagues will not be required to play in the preliminary knock outs as they got byes into the next round while teams not affiliated to any FKF league will face off as they seek for two representatives from every sub county to join the registered teams in the next round of matches. In several sub-counties which registered an odd number of teams in the draw, the team which lacked a competitor to be drawn with was also given a bye into the next round.
The draw was witnessed by the Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Sports Brian Mulama, the Nairobi County Sports Chief Officer, Football Kenya Federation Communications Director Kenn Okaka and Bon Maina, the Chairman of Nairobi United, a team that was recently affiliated to the Sakaja Foundation.
Orgaisers affirmed that all teams which expressed interest by returning their registration forms will be allowed to play raising the number of participating teams for the 340 men’s teams last year to 592 men’s teams in 2024.
The chairman of the Johnson Sakaja Foundation Hon. Osman Khalif
Additionally, the women competition will this year see a change in the registration process with organisers Johnson Sakaja Foundation lead by Osman Khalif, Football Kenya Federation and the County Government of Nairobi announcing that women’s teams will register electronically.
Like in the first edition in 2023, players who have played for either the national team Harambee Stars, the Premier League, National Super League of the National Division One are not eligible to play in the tournament as the organisers seek to provide budding talent with an opportunity to showcase their talent and develop their football careers.
Several notable teams drew exciting fixtures with Musa Otieno’s Kick Off to Hope FC drawing against Babel FC in an epic Makadara battle as Dee Five FC landed a date with Dandora Accent in a Dandora derby that promises to attract a sizable crowd.
According to the Chief Officer for Sports Oscar Igaida, the Spprts Department in the Nairobi City County Government supports the tournament which is a way of monetizing talent urging the youth to come out and put their best foot forward. “This time it will be bigger and better. Many youths have problems with crime and drug abuse and this is a way of employment for the youth. We have a Governor who loves sport and I am encouraging the youth to take up the challenge and strive to win,” Igaida said.
FKF Communications director Kenn Okaka expressed confidence that the Federation, through the Nairobi East and West branches was ready for the tournament and will coordinate the flawless operations of the tournament ranging from officiating to other professional match organizational logistics.
FKF Nairobi West Branch Chairman Caleb Malweyi said that the Federation is committed to once again organise the tournament professionally as Nairobi East Secretary General Dickson Doyo noted that due to the lucrative prize money, teams have come into the tournament better planned and more determined.
