The North Imenti League, popularly known as Kandanda Mashinani enters the Semi Finals phase this weekend with four teams expected to battle it out for a position in the finals.
Gachanka FC booked a semi-final spot after posting an impressive 4-0 win on aggregate against Ngiine FC.
Njukinjiru FC narrowly won 2-1 on aggregate against Giaki FC, also securing a place in the Semi-Finals.
The other semi-finalists in the hotly contested league are Meru Police who won against Galaxy FC on penalties and AL Azizia FC who thrashed RCC FC in the Quarter Finals.
The semi-finals are scheduled for 7th November, where Gachanka will face Njukinjiru at Gachanka Primary, and Meru Police facing Al Azizia at Kinoru Primary grounds.
The league is sponsored by North Imenti aspiring MP Ken Muriuki Wakili in efforts to identify and nurture youthful talents in the constituency.
“I have set out to bring out the best in our youths and restore hope of a better future. I am happy that now we have a firm foundation and can build North Imenti to the highest levels possible. The future of North Imenti lies entirely on our collective sense of responsibility.” says Ken Wakili.
Sports remain an under exploited area in Meru County, with no home grown football team in the region that can compete in the national league – the Kenya Premier League or the second tier competition – the National Super League.
So pronounced is the problem that the County Government of Meru in 2019 toyed with several ideas including buying out Thika United and rebranding it as Meru United FC.
However, the idea which was mooted by the then County Secretary for Sports Daniel Kiogora ran into headwinds with several stakeholders opposing it.
The rehabilitation of Sports Centres and construction of stadiums is well highlighted in the Meru Vision 2040. The County administration also promised a fully furbished stadium in every sub-county, a County talent academy and an active Sports Council.
However, little has been done so far, with the number of stadiums in the county currently standing at less than 10. This leaves clubs with only one option – Primary school grounds which can only be accessed over the weekends.
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