Khasoko Ward MCA Benjamin Otsiula greeting players before the launch of the 9th edition of the Hezekiah Otsiula Memorial Cup 2025./HANDOUT
A renewed wave of excitement swept through Khasoko ward as MCA Benjamin Otsiula launched a month-long football talent hunt in honour of his late father, marking the return of one of Bumula’s oldest grassroots tournaments.
Speaking at Mungore Primary School during the launch, the Khasoko ward representative said the ‘Hezekiah Otsiula Memorial Cup’ carries forward a tradition that began in 1989, when his father first used sports to unite communities and nurture young players.
“After the death of my father, Hezekiah Otsiula, who used to run tournaments in Bumula constituency because he loved sports so much, as a family we decided that we shall continue sponsoring sports to keep his legacy,” he said.
Otsiula said the tournament will run from December 5, 2025, to January 5, 2026, giving local footballers a platform to showcase their abilities. Ten teams have been lined up to compete.
“This sport is not only for Khasoko ward; it’s a national event because we have the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) here to spot bright talents. I call upon the teams selected to take part to be respectful and showcase their talents,” he added.
“Through such events, we can get a good player who will go both national and international, making the name of our ward known,” he said.
Otsiula stressed that the tournament is strictly for local players.
“In this tournament, we are not allowing anybody to pick players from other teams like Nzoia Sugar FC or source from Busia. This is purely a local-based tournament to support our local youths to rise,” he affirmed.
He criticised the Bungoma County government’s youth, gender, and sports department for failing to implement budgets approved by the county assembly.
“The MCAs in Bungoma County Assembly play their role of allocating funds to support tournaments in the county, but implementation is a huge problem,” he said, adding that county support should extend across all 45 wards.
The MCA urged Governor Kenneth Lusaka to ensure the sports docket delivers on its mandate.
“Governor Lusaka, you are serving your final term. Please, the CECM for sports has failed us. It would be good if you could push him to implement the programmes in his department,” he said.
Otsiula praised the growing participation of girls in sports, citing Mungore Girls as one of the best-performing teams. He said December 26 has been set aside for women’s soccer.
“We cannot leave girls behind, and that is why we have included girls’ soccer in the fixture,” he said.
Winners will receive cash prizes, trophies, balls, and uniforms, with individual awards for top scorers, young and veteran players, and overall standout performers.
The MCA also called on county governments to develop laws and policies to support talent development, noting that many people at the grassroots are not familiar with FKF regulations.
Tournament chairperson Martin Barasa applauded the MCA for reviving the event, saying the 2025 edition will go a long way in nurturing and promoting local talent.
