Two-day tournament brings together six veteran teams in a celebration of football, youth empowerment, peace and mental health awarenes
MERU, KENYA — 16 August 2026:
Meru Legends FC emerged as the champions of the inaugural Meru Football Bonanza, a two-day football tournament held on 15th and 16th August 2026 in Meru County.
The tournament brought together six teams, four from the wider Meru region and two from Nairobi, in a celebration of football, friendship, networking and community engagement.
The participating teams were: Teams from Meru; Meru Legends FC, Nkubu Veterans FC, Chuka University Veterans FC and Embu Legends FC – Teams from Nairobi; Deft Touch FC and Fit N 40 FC.
The Bonanza was supported by incoming Meru County Senator, Wakili Murithi Mnkubitu Mustafa, as part of his commitment to youth empowerment, talent development and mental health awareness among young people.
The tournament was hosted by incoming Member of the National Assembly for Imenti Central, Mr. Mkulima Earnest Kimaita, who provided the football grounds used for the tournament.
The Meru Football Bonanza was organized around the broader theme of championing mental health among young men and women, recognizing sport as an important platform for social connection, talent development, positive engagement and community wellbeing.
Speaking during the tournament, Wakili Murithi Mnkubitu emphasized the importance of using sport and talent to bring young people together and promote peace and positive social engagement.
He encouraged young people to use their talents not only for personal development but also as a platform for peacebuilding, unity and the wellbeing of the people of Meru.
The tournament provided an opportunity for players and supporters to interact, network and celebrate football while highlighting the role of sport in promoting healthier and more cohesive communities.
The host, Mr. Mkulima Earnest Kimaita, expressed his pride in providing an opportunity for the tournament to take place in Imenti Central.
“I am proud to have hosted the inaugural Meru Football Bonanza and to have provided the facilities that enabled our teams to come together through football.”
Mr. Kimaita noted that sports development requires deliberate investment, supportive infrastructure and leadership that recognizes the potential of young people.
He urged young people to seek and support good and honest leadership capable of creating an environment in which talent can flourish.
He particularly emphasized the need to strengthen the sports sector in Meru County and Imenti Central, noting that Imenti Central has an important strategic position as the constituency hosting the headquarters of Meru County.
“If we want to see growth in sports in Meru County, and particularly in Imenti Central, we must invest in our young people, support sporting talent and create an environment where our athletes can thrive.”
After two days of competitive football, Meru Legends FC were crowned the inaugural champions of the Meru Football Bonanza, taking home the coveted Big Goat Trophy.
The tournament brought together veteran footballers from Meru and Nairobi, demonstrating that football can continue to provide opportunities for friendship, networking, healthy living and community engagement well beyond competitive playing years.
Beyond the competition, the Bonanza featured social activities including music, networking, friendship and entertainment, creating a platform for participants and supporters to interact in a relaxed environment.
The organizers expressed their appreciation to the participating teams, players, supporters, sponsors, hosts and all partners who contributed to the success of the two-day event.
