By Tom Amwanzo
kibabii University Students’ League started in 2015 by a group of students who saw need to make use of their free time in a constructive manner by nurturing soccer talents and the need to bring footballers who study at Kibabii University together. Being the brainchild of a student named Otipa Duncan, the league started with associations like G.L.A, E.S.A, Coast Association, MT Kenya and Kakamega. The games were officiated by officials and some players like Duncan Otipa, Elvis Odhiambo, Brian Oyugi, Edwin Muturi, Jeff Mutunga and Maloba. They experienced many challenges like lack of proper field, lack of equipment and poor officiation.Out of the founders’ efforts, some teams were founded including; Blue rays, Santos, Unity, Redstars and Catalans. They agreed to start the Kibabii University Football League to run in every academic year. These were many reasons that were a driving force to this idea. As it is said change does not come suddenly. With time, more teams were formed raising an interest on diversity and talent among footballers in the University.
The League is managed by a committee under the leadership of the Games Tutor, Mr. Tom Amwanzo.
The members of the executive include:
- Mike Murule – Chairperson
- Maingi Stephen- Vice chairperson
- Stephen Odongo- Treasurer
- William Wanyonyi- Secretary
- Mamati Peter-League Coordinator
- Javan Wamboka- Referee Coordinator
So far, the KIBU League has produced several palyers who currently earn their living by playing for developed teams in the Kenyan Division 2 and Division 1. At the National League, some of the players who earn their living in playing football and are currently members of the KIBU League include Omar Laisa, Byron Winkin (who still plays for Redstar at the League and also one of the soccer players the University team). The most important is that above all, the same players from the KIBU League enabled the University team emerge WEKUSA champions in January 2020 after thrashing Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology at the finals in a match that ended with penalty shootout. The win qualified
Kibabii University to play the national Kenya University Sports Association Championships (KUSA) that were to be held in Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology where Kibabii University’s captain Omar Laisa was crowned the Best Men soccer player of the year.
Some of the players who featured in the KUSA competitions include:
- Calvary Onyango 2. Maxwell Wise
- Masoud Kibwana
- Anido Harun
- Dominic Kemboi
- Mevin Wanjala
- Byrone Winkin
- Omar Laisa
- Simiyu Jeff
- Gregory Alubwana
- Kome Kelvin
- Brian Bob
- Cyrus Omusugu
- Chimuli Kevin
- Brian Omondi
The 2020/2021 League was officially opened by the Assistant Dean of Students Mr. Cyprian Lusweti. Presently, the League has grown to 11 teams.
