By REUBEN OLITA
October 15, 2026| Boca Junior FC will lock horns with Malaba Royals in the final of the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Malaba Comprehensive School grounds. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
The two Western Region clubs will battle for the inaugural memorial trophy in a match organised by the Linda Mwananchi Brigade in Teso North, Busia County, to honour former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The encounter has been spearheaded by Daniel Mogoria, a Teso North parliamentary aspirant who has donated the trophy to be contested by the two sides. Mogoria and other leaders are expected to preside over the prize-giving ceremony at the end of the match.
Speaking ahead of the showdown, Mogoria announced that entry would be free and urged football enthusiasts to turn up in large numbers to support the teams and witness the emerging football talent among the youth.
He said the memorial match would provide an opportunity to celebrate Raila Odinga’s legacy while promoting sporting talent and encouraging young people to pursue their football ambitions.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest, with the two teams having previously met in the Western Regional League. In their first encounter, Boca Junior and Malaba Royals played to a 1-1 draw at Malaba Royals’ home ground. However, the return leg ended in controversy after Malaba Royals failed to honour the fixture, handing Boca Junior a walkover.
Boca Junior were participating in the Western Regional League for the second time, while Malaba Royals were making their debut in the competition. Saturday’s showdown will, therefore, offer the two sides another opportunity to settle their rivalry on the pitch, with the memorial trophy at stake.