By Anderson Ojwang
From a humble beginning, self-belief and passion, the journey of Migori Youth Football Club is a remarkable moment. A landmark imprinted in their lives.
Football has once again moved to open the doors to Migori Youth players, exposing them to opportunities that they only dreamt of and never in their lives thought would come to pass.
On Monday, it was another milestone for the players: a State House visit, interaction with President William Ruto, and the high and mighty in the government and football circles.
President’s goodies
President Ruto opened the interaction with a cocktail of goodies for the team ahead of the Premier League journey.
“Congratulations. I know we have talents in the country. For you to get organised to win, it is not a small thing. Success doesn’t just come. It takes effort. As you graduate to the Premier League, your assignment is to go and win,” he said.
President Ruto donated a bus to the team to enhance logistical arrangements.
“I was requested to get you a bus several months ago by your patron Mark Nyamita. I did not know you were going to win the Super League. You have made me proud. Today, I am not only handing over a bus to you but handing the bus over to Super League champions. Many people may think I am handing over the bus because you won. No, we had already planned the bus before. I am proud that a team from Migori won the league; it is not common to win the Super League,” he said.
Sponsorship
President Ruto accepted to intervene on behalf of the team with the sponsor, Mozart, to upgrade the sponsorship.
“I want to encourage our good friend Mozart to help you, and I will speak to the management to see if they can enhance the sponsorship. My son is already in your team and supporting you. He has been updating me, and we will help you and mobilise more friends and funds to support you,” he said.
He said the government was constructing the Migori Stadium to nurture talents and to be the home ground for the team.
The political comedians
But the occasion did not fall short of the Migori County political comedians, led by the grandson of Sinakuru Kukulubanga ma Dogman, alias Oyundi, Governor Dr Ochilo Ayacko, and his partner in crime, Chiwawa alias Othuogo, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita.
The two political comedians carried the comedy to State House, with Ayacko explaining to President Ruto the lineage of the Kalenjin and the Luo community through Sinakuru and the relationship.
But Nyamita took the war a notch higher by asking the President not to interfere when the electorate has decided to send Ayacko home and those other leaders who have failed to deliver to the electorate.
“We are looking forward to a very exciting season. The main reason why we are here is to say thank you. We request for partners and we ask for your interventions,” he said.
Ayacko said his administration was setting aside some funds to support the team and give them the opportunity to excel.
“I sincerely thank H.E. the President for his unwavering commitment to empowering our young people through sports and for donating a team bus to Migori Youth FC. This generous support will greatly ease the club’s travel for league fixtures across the country as they embark on a new chapter in the top tier of Kenyan football. The President and I reaffirmed the Governments’ (National and County) commitment to completing the construction of a modern stadium in Migori, a transformative investment that will provide world-class facilities for nurturing talent, creating opportunities for our youth, and positioning Migori as a regional sporting hub,” he said.
Meeting after meeting
CS Energy Opiyo Wandayi hosted the team and promised to support them in their future engagements.
“A champions’ visit. Delighted to host 2025/26 National Super League winners, Migori Youth FC, led by Club Patron Hon. Mark Nyamita as they prepare for life in the FKF Premier League,” he said.
Wandayi congratulated them for being an inspiration to other youths that sports pay.
“Earlier today, I had the pleasure of receiving the management, technical bench, and players of Migori Youth FC when they made a courtesy call at my office following their remarkable achievement as the 2025/26 National Super League Champions. Their historic title-winning campaign is a testament to discipline, hard work, determination, and the immense football talent within our region. By clinching the National Super League crown, Migori Youth FC has earned well-deserved promotion to the FKF Premier League, marking a significant milestone for the club and its supporters,” he wrote.
The CS said the achievement was a realisation that a dream can be turned into a reality.
“This achievement serves as an inspiration to young people across the country, demonstrating that commitment, teamwork, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality. Congratulations to Migori Youth FC on this outstanding accomplishment. We wish the team every success as they prepare to compete at the highest level of Kenyan football,” he wrote.
Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda wrote: “I joined Cabinet Secretary Hon. Opiyo Wandayi and Hon. Mark Nyamita in celebrating Migori Youth FC following their remarkable triumph as the 2025/26 National Super League champions. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the players, technical bench, and management on securing promotion to the FKF Premier League. This outstanding achievement reflects the values of discipline, resilience, teamwork, and determination. Your success is an inspiration to young people across our region and a powerful reminder of the immense potential of Kenyan talent when nurtured and supported. I wish Migori Youth FC every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter in the top flight of Kenyan football.”
Support
Nyamita said the visit witnessed additional support for the team from Wandayi and Ojienda.
“Our FKF SportPesa League journey continues to attract incredible support. This afternoon, together with the Migori Youth FC leadership, we met the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, who pledged KSh 2 million towards the club’s preparations for our maiden top-flight season. We were also honoured to have Senator Prof. Tom Odhiambo Ojienda, SC, who contributed KSh 1 million in support of the team. We sincerely appreciate both leaders for believing in our vision as we prepare to proudly represent Migori on the national stage,” he wrote.
