By REUBEN OLITA
April 5, 2026| Teso North football clubs received a timely Easter boost after Member of Parliament aspirant Humphrey Ekirapa donated footballs to support grassroots teams across the region.
A total of 43 clubs drawn from all league cadres benefited from the initiative, each receiving one ball to ease training and match preparations. The beneficiaries included FC Amagoro from the Division Two League; Malaba Royals, Boca Junior, Kakemer FC, and Homeboy Malaba from the Regional League; and Kekalet, Kolanya Boys High, Aboloi, Kiriko United, Kamuriai, Yard, Amanda, Katakwa, Chamasiri, Rwatama, Chamasiri TV, Kaeset, Korisai, Angurai, and Kamolo from the County League. Others were Atoot Eagles, Sokopaka, Kajei, Totokakile, Kangelemuge, Koruruma, Okuleu, Green Town, Kosenyi, Kaukotoit, and Goromait from Sub-County Zone A, as well as Kakapel, Apesur, Akolong, Atababur, Katotoi, Albert, Kolait, Mwari, Kakemer Young Stars, and Kagutiyo from Sub-County Zone B.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with club representatives, Ekirapa said the donation was aimed at keeping young people active in sports and away from social vices. He noted that the Easter gift would enable teams to train and stay engaged instead of drifting into alcohol and drug abuse, adding that some clubs lack even basic equipment like balls, making it hard to honour fixtures.
During the meeting, clubs highlighted several pressing issues affecting grassroots football, including lack of funds for registration and transport, difficulty in honouring away fixtures, limited officiating resources, gaps in club management training, and absence of transport for fans and teams.
In response, Ekirapa outlined both short-term and long-term solutions. These include a fundraiser to support registration, transport, and officiating costs; capacity-building training for club officials scheduled for August; encouraging clubs to develop income-generating activities; and continued engagement with stakeholders and well-wishers.
Looking ahead to 2027, Ekirapa pledged to establish a sports academy in Teso North, strengthen partnerships with schools like Kolanya Boys High School as talent hubs, and promote structured development pathways for young athletes.
Football Kenya Federation Busia Branch Chairman Eugene Keane Okello lauded the initiative, noting that Ekirapa has consistently supported grassroots football, including mini-league sponsorships. He added that ball donations began earlier, with 15 balls distributed in 2023, and that plans are underway at the national level to further support grassroots teams, especially with equipment.
This initiative goes beyond just equipment. It is a step toward reviving grassroots football, nurturing talent, and offering young people a constructive path through sport in Teso North.