Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has today officially launched the 3^rd edition of the Governor Wavinya Cup, a countywide football tournament that has grown into one of the biggest grassroots sports events in Kenya.

‎The launch took place at Kisooni Catholic Church grounds in Mumbuni North Ward, where thousands of enthusiastic residents gathered to cheer on their teams.

‎Governor Wavinya said the tournament, which started in 2022, is designed to expose young people to opportunities for talent discovery and career progression in sports.

“This year the tournament promises to be bigger and better. We shall have a record of 650 teams drawn from across the 40 wards in Machakos County.” She said.

She announced that the 2025 tournament comes with new additions under the theme “Nurturing Talent, Greening Our Future, and Empowering Generations.”

“This edition is special because we have introduced new activities and inventions to enrich the program including training, scouting, sports clinics led by legends across the world.” The Governor said.

She noted that the program has already transformed lives, citing examples such as Mary Nthambi, a Machakos native now playing for the Police Bullets, two-time champions of the Women’s Premier League, and Felix Mwendwa of Kaluluini FC, who flew to Spain for professional scouting.

“Wavinya Cup is not just about football but a transformational initiative under my administration’s second pillar, social and economic empowerment targeting the youth, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.” She said.

In its first edition, the tournament attracted 640 teams with 12 players securing opportunities to play in different Kenyan leagues.

The second edition in 2023 drew more than 650 teams, with the finals at Kenyatta Stadium pulling a record crowd of 20,000 fans.

‎This year’s edition, running from 20^th September to 13^th December 2025, will feature a record 650 teams drawn from all 40 wards of the county.

‎‎The Governor assured residents that her administration is finalizing plans to sustainably support county leagues and lower division clubs in Machakos.

‎She also thanked the Football Kenya Federation for its consistent support of the program since inception.

‎The Governor declared the third edition officially launched, rallying the youth with her closing words “Vijana tusakate dimba, wasichana tucheze ball, tusibebe ball!”

The launch was graced by her deputy Francis Mwangangi, Governor Wavinya Cup Patron Charles Nzuki (Charlie), former Machakos Mp Victor Munyaka, Machakos County Executive and Chief Officers, Machakos County Members of County Assembly amongst other guests.