By Stephen Maranga
The Ibeno Ward MCA Steve Arika’s Super Cup tournament will culminate in a high-profile fixture between Shabana FC and an Ibeno Ward combined team at the Nyanturago Sports Academy on June 7, 2026.
The ward, which comprises nine sublocations across two locations, has seen unprecedented football activity.
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Kerera Location includes Nyamagwa, Riangabi, Gesere, and Kirwa, while Ibeno Location covers Kirwa, Kiemenyinga, Kabosi, Nyacheo, and Chirichiro.
The Super Cup, which concluded on January 4, 2026 at the Nyanturago Green Stadium (Nyantika Maiyoro Sports Academy), was played on a league basis, with top teams from the lower ward meeting their counterparts from the upper ward.
All participating teams were fully kitted by the sponsor, MCA Steve Arika.
The final day was graced by former Harambee Stars internationals Musa Otieno, Francis Onyiso, Lenny Kegen (a tutor at Kereka Technical Training Institute), and Henry Nyabuto Motego, who came to motivate and scout for talent.
“The quartet has never been to rural Kisii for scouting talent save that one,” the report noted, underscoring the uniqueness of the event.
The organizing committee featured seasoned football figures, including Peter Omote (Chairperson), Oseko Getanda (Secretary), Ken Orare (Vice Chairman), Stephen Ratemo (Coordinator), Anna Tongi (Member), and Stephen Maranga (Technical Coordinator).
Their efforts ensured smooth talent selection, which has already attracted interest from top tacticians.
On the final day, Kabosi defeated Kerera Location 2-1, highlighting the competitive spirit of the tournament.
MCA Arika emphasized his goal of keeping youth engaged and registering them in the County League.
The Super Cup has also sparked broader interest, with several individuals trained in coaching and refereeing under the Football Kenya Federation.
Former Harambee Stars coaches Francis Kimanzi and Mihiso have expressed keen interest in scouting Kisii’s rural talent, making them the second set of reputable football officials to do so.
The upcoming clash between Shabana FC and Ibeno Ward combined is seen as a direct result of discipline, talent nurturing, and grassroots development.
“Shabana playing Ibeno combined is as a result of discipline, talent, nurturing and taking the game to grassroots,” the statement emphasized.
Though MCA Arika admits he has never been a football enthusiast, the passion and talent of young players in his ward are drawing him closer to the sport.
The June 7 fixture promises to be a landmark moment for Ibeno Ward and Kisii football.
