By REUBEN OLITA
October 18, 2026| Boca Junior FC were crowned champions of the inaugural Raila Odinga Memorial Cup after edging out Malaba Royals 1-0 in a closely contested final at Malaba Comprehensive School grounds on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The Western Region rivals battled fiercely in an entertaining encounter watched by Teso North parliamentary aspirant Daniel Mogoria, who donated the teams’ uniforms and trophy, alongside co-sponsor Evalyne Ikwii Omasa, a Busia Woman Representative aspirant, and former Elugulu Ward MCA Patrobus Odhiambo.
Also in attendance were Linda Mwananchi Busia Coordinator Lorna Aryang Simatwa, Linda Mwananchi Busia Women Secretary Hon. Hellen Odwour, Bundalangi coordinator Margaret Omonsi, Matayos MP aspirant Okanagan Jeff, Bunyala aspirant Robert Olika, Malaba Central aspirant Frank Wangula, and Angorom Ward aspirant Gilbert Emongais.
Mogoria spearheaded the initiative, donating uniforms bearing his name as part of efforts to promote football and nurture young talent in the region.
Both sides started at a blistering pace, creating scoring opportunities but failing to find the net in the opening half.
The deadlock was broken four minutes into the second half when Boca’s Peter Ekol, popularly known as “Dede,” unleashed a scorching 25-metre shot that caught Malaba Royals goalkeeper Ferdinand Ajus off guard.
Boca Junior fullback Peter Otitwa, who wears jersey number three, attributed the victory to discipline, hard work and teamwork.
“I loved the game, and I thank God for the win. Football is about training. When you train hard, you reap fruitful results,” Otitwa said.
He added that the players’ unity was central to their success. “We came together as a team, and that is why we won the match. It was all about teamwork.”
Royals head coach Felix Omuruga was gracious in defeat. “It was a bad day for us, but we have to come to terms with it. We are going to prepare well for our future engagements,” he said.
Hon. Ikwii Omasa said she has elaborate plans to nurture talent in the county once voters give her the mandate to lead them as Woman Representative next year.
Despite a weather-related delay in kick-off, fans turned up in large numbers to witness the final, with Mogoria, Omasa and members of the Linda Mwananchi Brigade among those in attendance.
The memorial match celebrated Raila Odinga’s legacy while providing a platform for emerging footballers to showcase their abilities and pursue their sporting ambitions. The final also offered both Western Region clubs an opportunity to test their strength ahead of the forthcoming football season.