Kibera: Over time sports have demonstrated their potential of being tools of mobilizing communities, empowering them and creating alternative avenues of restoring self-worth especially encouraging teenage mothers and youth who get a second chance to rebuild themselves after misadventure like childbirth among others. Path to Russia, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), on Sunday hosted its third edition of the Football Mums Tournament at DC Grounds in Kibera, bringing together women and girls in a strong show of empowerment through sport.
According to Kenya News Agency, the organization’s coordinator, Erick Ochieng, stated that the tournament, organized in partnership with Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA), focused on promoting young women in sports while strengthening community engagement through football. Ochieng mentioned that the event featured five teams and 40 participants, surpassing expectations, and reached more than 100 girls indirectly through community outreach.
He described the event as a success, noting that the final match saw Kibera Starlets face KGSA in a closely contested game that ended in a draw before proceeding to penalties. KGSA emerged winners with a 3-2 victory. Despite heavy rains affecting the pitch, they successfully adjusted the schedule to ensure smooth completion of the event, emphasizing the continued use of sport as a tool for empowerment.
Path to Russia team leader Erick Baker, who also attended the tournament, noted that many mothers often feel sidelined by society after giving birth. He said such initiatives provide them with a supportive community. This tournament is a way of telling them they are still remembered and that they can continue using their talents and securing opportunities even as mothers.
The event was attended by various community leaders and renowned sports personalities, including Olympic gold medalist Wilfred Bungei. Bungei commended Path to Russia for organizing the tournament, noting that during one of his international competitions, he witnessed women in Russia actively participating in football. He emphasized that many mothers face challenges after having children, and engaging in football can help them recover physically and emotionally.
The first edition of the Football Mums’ Tournament was held in April 2025 while the second was in March this year at the same grounds.
