The much-anticipated Cleo Malalah Super Cup 7th Edition was officially unveiled on a grand scale at the Kakamega County Lions Grounds in Kakamega Town, marking yet another milestone in the region’s growing sports culture.
The colourful opening ceremony attracted thousands of football lovers, sports enthusiasts, and residents who turned up in large numbers to witness what has now become one of Western Kenya’s most celebrated grassroots tournaments.
The vibrant event was presided over by the tournament patron and Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy For Citizens Party (DCP), Honorable Cleophas Wakhungu Malalah, who warmly welcomed participating teams and spectators.
With music, dance, team parades, and an electrifying atmosphere, the ceremony lived up to the tournament’s popular nickname among regional football fans — “Chini ya Mataa”, a symbol of late-evening football, entertainment, and community bonding.
Addressing the crowd, Hon. Malalah reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through sports, noting that the Super Cup has grown beyond being just a competition into a platform for talent identification, nurturing, and monetization.
He thanked the residents of Kakamega and neighboring counties for their unwavering support over the years, describing the massive turnout as proof that sports remain a powerful unifying force.
“This tournament belongs to the people. It is about giving young men and women an opportunity to showcase their talents, stay away from crime, and dream big,” Malalah said, to loud cheers from the crowd.
From the opening ceremony, it was evident that this year’s edition is special in many ways. The introduction of Rugby 7s for the first time in the tournament’s history marked a major turning point, bringing excitement to rugby lovers who have often felt left out of community sports events.
The move was widely praised as a bold and inclusive step that broadened the scope of the Super Cup beyond football.
Football action kicked off immediately after the ceremony, with defending champions Eshikufu FC locking horns with Maroon Commandos in an entertaining opening match that set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.
Beyond sports, the economic impact of the Cleo Malalah Super Cup was clearly visible around Kakamega Town.
The Lions Grounds and its surroundings were a hive of activity as local traders seized the opportunity to do business. Food vendors, hawkers, and small-scale traders reported brisk business as fans flocked the venue in large numbers.
Boda boda riders could not hide their excitement, praising Malalah for organizing a tournament that has significantly boosted their daily earnings.
With fans moving between estates, hotels, and the stadium, riders described the event as a “lifeline” during tough economic times. Matatu operators also reaped big, ferrying passengers from Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, and other parts of Kakamega County, all traveling to be part of the regional spectacle.
The hospitality industry has equally benefited, with hotels in Kakamega Town reporting full occupancy. Many visitors opted to spend nights in town to avoid missing any action, turning the Super Cup weekend into a tourism-like boom.
Entertainment spots and clubs have also been packed, as revellers enjoy the lively atmosphere brought by the tournament.
Residents openly expressed gratitude to Malalah, thanking him for consistently investing in grassroots sports and community development.
Some fans were even heard jokingly urging Kakamega County Governor His Excellency Fernandes Barasa to shelve the county tournament and partner with the Cleo Malalah Super Cup, arguing that attention has shifted away from Mumias Sports Complex to Kakamega Town due to the excitement surrounding “Chini ya Mataa.”
In a press statement issued by the Cleo Malalah Super Cup Organizing Committee, the organizers emphasized that the 7th edition is historic and reflects the steady growth of the tournament.
They thanked teams, officials, sponsors, fans, and stakeholders for their continued support, noting that the Super Cup has become one of the most respected community tournaments in the region.
As the competition progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches, emerging talent, and a unique blend of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence.
Once again, the Cleo Malalah Super Cup has proven that sports can transform lives, energize local economies, and bring communities together under one brightly lit pitch truly living up to its name, “Chini ya Mataa.”
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