Kakamega, Kenya – January 3, 2026
By Bob Amalemba
In a tournament final marred by allegations of rule-breaking, the Shirere Queens’ remarkable underdog journey in the Governor Fernandes Barasa Super Cup ended in a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat to Promised Ladies on New Year’s Day at Bukhungu Stadium.
Despite the loss, the Queens’ campaign, built on grit and penalty shootout nerve, captured the imagination of fans and dignitaries alike, including President William Ruto and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who were in attendance for the finals.
A Gutsy Path to the Final
Shirere Queens’ road to the final was a testament to resilience. They edged past Mulembe Queens 5-4 in a tense quarter-final penalty shootout, followed by another nail-biting 4-3 penalty victory over Iron Ladies in the semi-finals, both staged at Bukhungu Stadium.
Their run was masterminded by coaches Geoffrey Anyika, George Odour, and Elvis Wamalwa, and fueled by a squad largely drawn from the Mahiri Academy.
A Final Overshadowed by Controversy
The fairy tale, however, was clouded in the final. Promised Ladies’ narrow 1-0 victory is under a dark cloud after Shirere Queens officials alleged their opponents breached tournament rules by fielding seven players who are actively contracted to clubs in the Kenya Premier League (KPL). Tournament regulations strictly prohibit such participation to maintain a grassroots focus.
The allegation has cast a shadow over the final result, with calls for an official investigation expected from the Queens’ camp in the coming days.
Academy Philosophy Wins Praise
Beyond the controversy, the tournament spotlighted the successful philosophy of the Mahiri Academy, which supplies the bulk of the Shirere Queens squad.
Academy founder Benbela Oyalo highlighted its unique mission. “The academy is keen on training the ladies, as this was a neglected area in most academies that often looked to empowering the boychild,” Oyalo stated. The academy prides itself on being both talent and education-focused, offering a holistic development path for young women.
Dignitaries Hail Grassroots Talent
The high-profile final saw President Ruto and Governor Barasa commend the high level of play displayed by all teams. President Ruto challenged top-tier league clubs to scout and pick top talents from such grassroots tournaments, noting the “massive” potential on display.
In a significant pledge, the President also committed to facilitating the completion of the half-finished Bukhungu Stadium, aiming to transform it into Western Kenya’s largest sporting arena.
While the male category crowned Lugusi FC champions after a 1-0 victory over Mbaabo FC.