The upcoming Simbare Cup is already creating excitement across the community as players, coaches, and fans prepare for what many believe will be one of the most memorable local tournaments in recent years, with strong support from the Simon Mbugua Foundation.
The event has grown beyond just football and is now seen as a celebration of unity, talent, and opportunity.
With 70 teams registered 54 men’s teams, 8 women’s teams, and 8 grannies’ teams the competition has attracted a wide range of participants, showing how sports can bring different generations together.
The Foundation’s sponsorship has played a major role in making the tournament bigger and more inclusive this year.
The official launch of this year’s Simbare Cup took place on Monday at Estadio del Desierto in Eastleigh. Organizers used the event to confirm all major details, including the announcement that each participating team will receive Sh50,000 and full playing kits.
“Every team will receive Sh50,000 and full playing kits,” officials confirmed during the launch, a move that has motivated teams and helped them prepare well for the competition. This support has been welcomed by players who often struggle with limited resources.
Tournament organizer Robert Kareithi shared that teams will come from the five wards of Kamukunji: Pumwani, Eastleigh South, Airbase, California, and Eastleigh North.
The matches will be played in a knockout format, which means every game is a do-or-die moment for the teams.
There will be no second chances, making each match more competitive and exciting.
Kareithi revealed that preparations have been finalized and the first matches will kick off this Thursday, with the tournament running until December 20.
The grand finals will be held at the Ulinzi Complex, a respected venue that has hosted many major sporting events.
During the launch, Simon Mbugua Foundation Chairman Mathew Malusi emphasized that the tournament aims to do more than just promote football.
He highlighted that the rewards will help players build better futures. Instead of cash prizes for men’s teams, winners will receive valuable assets that can generate income.
Malusi said these prizes will allow players to start small businesses or explore opportunities in the transport sector.
The prizes are as follows, in the 70 teams, men 54 teams winner will get 33 seater matatu.
Runners up 14 seater matatu, 2nd runners up 2 motor bikes and ladies 8 teams winner gets uber.
Runners up 2 motor bikes, grannies 8 teams winner will walk with Kshs 500K.
Runners up 250k, 2nd Runners up 150k and 3rd runners up would bag Kshs 100k.
These rewards show how the tournament values all participants, regardless of age.
The draw for the first round was released during the kit handover. Some of the opening matches include Toronto FC versus Team Baze, Amazon United against Kamukunji FC, Team X facing Burma FC, and Wenyeji United playing Simba Matata. Other fixtures include Young Gunners versus Shaurimoyo United, Young Elephant taking on Fearl FC, BVB Borousia versus Burhan FC, and Kinyago United facing Kamukunji Jua Kali FC.
More matches feature Gikomba All Stars against Eastleigh Youth Junior, Umul Quran Youth FC versus Yach 009 FC, Volcano FC against Kiambiu Warriors, Digo United versus 14 Arrows, Eastleigh South versus Shaurimoyo Sportiff, Fighting Destiny against Biafra Kamaliza FC, Mumbai Barracks versus Alahli FC, and Umul Qura FC facing FC Mubarak.
The community is now eagerly waiting for kickoff as teams finalize their preparations, hoping to showcase their skills and compete for life-changing prizes in this year’s Simbare Cup.
