Nation FC clinch SJAK football tourney
Nation FC defeated Supersport FC 3-2 in a pulsating final to win the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) inter-media five-aside five-aside football tournament on Saturday at Galleria Mall in Nairobi.
Fan-favourite Yasmin Khalid, Eric Musungu and Titus Mbithi were on target for Nation, while Janet Ongendo and Veran Mukanda scored for Supersport.
With the win, Nation FC bagged Sh 50,000, while Supersport pocketed Sh,30,000 for their efforts as CGTN, who came home third, went home with Sh,20,000.
Nation FC had been placed in a tough looking pool ‘C’ but managed to overwhelm perennial rivals Standard Group 5-1 in the semi-final while Super Sport beat CGTN 3-2 in the other semi.
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Nation FC captain Mbithi described the result a morale booster ahead of the clash against NFT Autoports Freight in the Corporate League on Sunday.
“The pool was tough but I’m happy we conquered. We thank the Nation Media Group management for the overwhelming support and we can only hope for the best,” said Mbithi.
In the third place play-offs, CGTN recovered from the loss against Super Sport to defeat Standard 5-0.
The event which coincided with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Day brought together various media houses including KBC, Royal Media Services, Radio Africa Group, Makueni FC, Athletic FC ,Free lancer Journalists, Media Max, KASS, Mozzart bet.
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La Liga delegate Alvaro Abreu said he looks forward to a better working relationship with the Association.
“This is more than we expected and really I’m happy that the event was successful. We hope to make it bigger and better. We thought it was just one of the many events we have hosted but it turned out to be competitive which was a good thing,” offered Alvaro.
La Liga, KCB, DSTV and Safari Premium Drink sponsored the event.
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president, Sam Nyamweya, who graced the tournament, called on sponsors to back the SJAK objectives and future events.
Nyamweya, who doubles up as Shabana FC patron, also challenged journalists to perform their duties in a diligent and professional manner.
“I congratulate the new SJAK officials and more so for staging the event. The media in Kenya has done a wonderful job in ensuring we develop sports and I urge them to continue on that path. We will support you,” Nyamweya said.
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