Butula Starlets in Busia County were crowned champion of the ‘Cheza Ball, Zuia Ball campaign tournament organized by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund through the office of the Busia county woman representative Ms Catherine Omanyo.
Butula starlets edged Chakol Queens from Teso South 5-4 on penalties after drawing 0-0 in a game played at Malaba stadium on Sunday.
The tournament had attracted 64 teams across the 35 wards across the county where one team was selected to represent each sub-county in the finals.
Butula started off the finals well thrashing Matayos 2-0 before the eliminated host Aboloi FC from Teso North 1-0 to reach the finals.
Aboloi FC who recovered from the defeat went past Matayos with a 1-0 win to secure a chance to play in the runners-up.
In the other pool, Soccer Sisters from Funyula thrashed Mungatsi FC from Nambale 2-0 to book a place in the semi-final.
In an opening match of group A, Chakol Queens showcased their experience, hammering Budalangi Queens 2-0. Chakol, who plays in the FKF women’s league, was in the class of their own.
In the semi-final between Soccer sister and Chakol Queens, it was all level after 90 minutes and it had to be decided from the sport when Chakol Queens shot stopper Benda Auma emerged from the women’s match saving 3 penalties to help her team reach the final.
Butula Starlet captain Sheila Adongo attributed their success to hard work, discipline, and support from their parents allowing them to train daily while on holiday.
“We have been training together and I think that cohesion and discipline has contributed to the team’s success,” noted Adongo.
The sentiment was echoed by Soccer Sister Head coach Doreen Akinyi who challenged other leaders in the county to emulate the same to nurture talents in line with CBC
Busia woman representative Ms. Omanyo noted that the tournament was organized to sensitize the communities in Busia about the effects of gender-based violence which has derailed development denying women and girls empowerment opportunities.
“This tournament was timely, especially when students are on holiday to enlighten the society against GBV that has dragged our society an opportunity to empower women,” said Omanyo Omanyo.
She further noted that, “We are using sports to reach out to men to give time to our girls to finish their studies hence the slogan, ‘Cheza ball Zuia ball’.”
According to her, about 1 in 5 girls aged 15-19 years in Busia County have begun childbearing translating to 21 percent which is significantly higher than the national trend of 18 percent.
All the participating teams received training kits and incentives to boost training and team building on the ground.
Biko Steve 
IAN BYRON