A Hometown Win

This past weekend the Suba Laker Junior Girls won the CRADLE Tournament in Mbita town!  

CRADLE is an organization dedicated to children’s rights.  Each year they host a football tournament in Mbita which is largely geared towards boys.  This year they had over 30 boys teams participate in the 5-day tournament.  Unfortunately, the girls were just an afterthought.  It took a lot of convincing to get them to permit the girls to play on the last day.  With only one day notice the CRADLE organizers were able to find 4 local teams to play in a mini tournament.  

In our first match, we played against some older ladies called Mbita Lakeside.  It didn’t take long for us to gain control of the match as Primerose Achieng dribbled through 2 defenders and scored a classic goal in the opening minutes.  A few minutes later, Lucia Awino added to the total with a nice free kick from just outside the box.  In the 12^th minute Lencer Adoyo kicked a rocket from 25 feet that landed in the top right corner of the goal.  Shortly thereafter Lencer provided a great cross to Mourine Owiti who closed out the first half with a goal.  

Already leading by 4 goals, the Lakers kept the pressure on in the 2^nd half with a goal in the 6^th minute  by Brenda June.  In the 9^th minute Lucia scored her 2^nd goal on another free kick.  In the 12^th minute Lucia completed her hat-trick with a penalty shot.  In the 15^th minute June added her 2^nd goal with a beautiful dribbling exhibition and finish.  The final goal of the match was scored by striker Phylice Akoth who used her speed to race past the defense and place a shot beyond the reach of the hapless goalkeeper.  

The match ended 9-0 and the hometown crowd couldn’t stop talking about it.  They didn’t know a team of girls could score so many goals in such a short match.  The Suba Lakers don’t get many opportunities to play in front of their hometown fans especially with such a big crowd, so it was fun for them to enjoy the moment. 

The finals didn’t go quite as easily.  Facing a determined Kamgere team from Rusinga Island, the Lakers thought they would have another simple win, but it ended up being much more difficult.  They controlled the ball and created chances, but couldn’t make the final play to score.  As the game wore on, the players got more frustrated and started pressing.  Even the fans were expecting a lopsided victory and were getting restless.  No team could break the deadlock and the match ended 0-0.  In the post-match penalty shootout, all of the five Suba Lakers scored their penalty kick and goalkeeper Lillian Awuor blocked the last two shots to seal the victory and give the Lakers the Championship.  

The theme of the tournament was “Kicking Child Abuse out of Kenya”.  The main aim was to use sports to attract many people, especially youth, to sensitize them on their rights and what they should do if their rights are abused.  

As for the awards for the top teams, the organization was prepared to give out many prizes to the boys teams; including trophies, uniforms, balls and money.  Since they hadn’t planned for a girls match, they didn’t bring awards or prizes for the girls.  We were awarded with 1 ball; only.  We’re grateful for the 1 ball as we have a great need of quality, well-made balls.  

The Mbita Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo graced the occasion and during her speech spoke that we must all strive for gender equality.  She directly stated to the CRADEL organizers that whatever awards and prizes which were given to the boys, the same should be given to the girls.  Following her speech, the girls were promised a trophy, a cash prize, t-shirts, and uniforms.  We’re extremely grateful to have local MP who is concerned about these equalities!  We are hoping that the organization will follow through so that the girls can receive what they earned, and more importantly, what they deserve as equals with the boys!   

Patience Pays Off

It’s a story of hard work and determination, of strong faith, and of God’s perfect timing. 

Moses Ochieng is the third oldest in his family of 9 children.  Before finishing his 8^th grade year in 1999, both of his parents passed away when Moses was only 15 years old.  After the death of his parents, there was no way he could get the school fees necessary to continue his education in high school.  He moved to Nairobi and began taking manual labor jobs to earn some money, always hoping, at some point, he would be able to go back to school.  The weeks and months turned into years.  He worked hard and kept a good attitude, trusting that God was in control of his life.  His younger brother managed to move on to high school and eventually teacher’s college with the help of a friend.  Even Moses’ two younger sisters received a chance to join a school for orphans in Mbita called Christ’s Gift Academy.  With the help of CGA his sisters received a good education, performed very well academically and went through high school on sponsorship.  One sister is currently joining a University in the U.S. while the other is finishing her 3^rd year of high school. 

Moses in his 2nd year at Mbita High School

Because of his family’s relationship with CGA, in 2007, Moses was invited to come back from Nairobi and work as a volunteer at the school.  He was the “errand” boy riding a bicycle into town to photocopy exams, pick letters and packages from the post office, deliver lunch to our nursery class, escort sick students to the clinic, help serve in the kitchen, cut the grass or whatever else was needed.  It was not easy work and he was paid virtually nothing, but he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he met.  It was difficult for Moses to see children much younger than him moving on to high school, including his younger siblings, and he wondered if his time would ever come.  He began sharing with his close friends his dream of going back to school, and after many years of prayer, God opened the door for him in the year 2009 at age 25.  CGA agreed to sponsor him to attend a local secondary school.  He was so happy that he didn’t mind riding his bicycle to school about 4 miles from home, but then again, he was used to riding the bicycle a lot by that point.  Some days it would rain, and he would have to walk to school because the wheels wouldn’t move on the muddy roads, but he was determined to do his best.  He would stay up late studying and wake up early just to try to keep up with his classmates who were 10 years younger than him.  He was behind in subjects like Math because of the long absence from school, but he knew he could make it.  With his strong desire, he quickly rose to be the 2^nd best student in his class of 110 students.  

Moses did very well in his first two years of high school, but he felt the school he was attending was not competitive enough, and also wanted to attend a boarding school so that he would have more time to study.  He was given the opportunity to attend Mbita High School, one of the best boys schools in the province.  Once again, he started off behind the other boys in his class, but set his sights on catching up. 

In November 2012 he finally finished secondary school at the age of 29.  But one of the best parts of his story was still to come.  When the national exam results were released throughout the country the next  February he didn’t get his results, even though everyone else did.  For some unknown reason, there was a problem.  He went to school to check on the issue multiple times and made calls to the exam board and the district education office.  Even with such disappointment and incredible anticipation, Moses did not lose hope and kept his faith, believing God would make a way. 

Finally, two months later, he received his results… he was among the top 15% in the country!  He was so excited, but there was still another problem.  He couldn’t get his official transcript and leaving certificate from school because his whole class was charged extra money to pay for damage that was done in school the previous year.  Even though most of the other boys hadn’t been able to get their documents, Moses decided to go to school and inquire anyway.  Fortunately for him, the teacher in charge told him that because he was such a disciplined student, he would waive the charge for him and give him the necessary documents.  Moses just praised God for what He had done. 

So even though Moses was the last one in his school to find out his results, he was one of the first ones to receive his official documents!

During this process of waiting for his results, Moses began volunteering again at CGA.  He began assisting teachers by helping struggling students with math.  He's now teaching a few classes in both math and social studies.  Even though he receives no pay, he has stayed dedicated to his service.  He shows up for every teacher meeting and devotion time. Moses has a fabulous servant's heart!

In June, Moses applied for the CGA Post-Secondary Scholarship. 

In his application, Moses wrote about how CGA has helped him in life:

“CGA is like a home.  Spiritually, I have grown by being rooted in the word of God. 
Socially, I have developed responsibility.  

Academically, CGA has sponsored me making me to successfully  

finish Form 4 and giving me hope. 

I thank God for CGA because I would have not had hope in life!"

He excelled in his application and during the interview, and was selected as one of the 10 scholarship recipients.  He looks forward to studying education so that he can teach History and/or Business in high school.

God is faithful and we are excited for what the Lord is going to do through Moses. 

High School Students Reminded of the True Gospel

Three times a year, CGA welcomes back all of its former primary school students who are currently being sponsored in high school, and even those that have finished high school.  These “Reunions” come in April, August and December during the school breaks.  It is a great time to check in with all of the students to see how they are doing, and try to encourage them in various aspects of their lives.  In August, 85 high school students along with 15 alumni greatly benefitted from the Biblical teaching of Pastor Ken from Emmanuel Baptist in Nairobi.  Pastor Ken, along with his friend Phillip, delivered 8 messages from the book of Romans.  They began by helping everyone understand the bad news that we are all sinful and separated from God.  They then delivered the Good News that through what Jesus did for us on the cross, we can be connected with God and have eternal life.  They also took time to discuss other “gospels” that are popular these days like the Prosperity Gospel and others which distort the true Gospel.  It was powerful and convicting preaching that really hit home with many of our students.  Many commented that it was very challenging and difficult, but so good to hear the “full truth."

We heard stories from their parents/guardians, as well as siblings of how many of them were going home each evening and sharing what they learned with their families. These stories show that what we are doing at Christ's Gift Academy is not only making a difference in the lives of the 400 students under the ministry, but also countless others whose lives these students touch.The program was led by CGA Alumni and throughout the week many of them gave their testimonies and shared devotions with the students. There was also time to discuss University and College information, as well as career choices and advice. In small groups they discussed anxiety and stress for high school students. Two sessions focused on boy-girl issues and how to honor God in those types of relationships. We also had a medical person who administers HIV/AIDS treatment discuss issues related to abstinence, consequences of pre-marital and unprotected sex, along with male circumcision. One of the favorite sessions was a Question and Answer time when they wrote their questions on paper and the Alumni and adults present tried to answer them to the best of their ability. Most of their questions revolved around dating, sex and marriage.  They ARE teenagers! :-)
 

Each day began with a worship session, and the week was crowned with some prizes awarded to the students who improved the most in school.  Many students claimed it was the best reunion they have had since joining high school.  We are grateful for the visitors who travelled all the way from Nairobi for the week, as well as the CGA alumni who prepared and ran the week’s program! 

All of the secondary students returned to school during the first week of September to begin their last term of the school year.  PRAY for their success academically and for them to be a great witness for Christ in the schools they attend. 

 Check out this video of the CGA Secondary Students at Reunion singing "How Great Thou Art":

 

Champions Battle in Oyugis

The same day that the KYFA Tournament was finishing in Kisumu, we were expected in Oyugis (a 2 hour drive) for another nationwide tournament run by Society Empowerment Project (SEP). In this tournament, there were teams from Thika, Nairobi, Kisumu and other places. We didn’t get a good drawing for the pools and were in a 3-team pool with two of the best teams. In our first match we played the defending champs, Kayole from Nairobi. Their team is loaded with good players from around the nation’s capital; several of them also play on the Kenyan National Team. We played with three of our primary girls and eight secondary school girls. It was a hard fought match, but both teams failed to score and settled for a scoreless draw. That result qualified Kayole for the semifinals and put us in a good position to qualify with a win or draw in our final group game. The only problem is we were facing a very strong team who also happened to be the hosts, SEP. Two years ago we beat the SEP team in the finals to win the trophy and take back to Mbita. However, this time around, they are older and much better than two years ago. Our girls jumped on top with two early goals by Pauline to take a 2-0 lead. Towards the end of the 1^st half, SEP received a rather dubious penalty kick from their hometown referee and pulled within a goal. The second half was pretty tense and we weren’t getting many breaks, but with a lot of grit and determination, we held on for a 2-1 win to tie atop the group. Because of goal difference, we took the 2^nd seed and faced the #1 seed from the other pool in the semifinals.

The semifinals weren’t as tough as our group games. We dominated Kasagam from Kisumu right from the opening whistle and it finally paid off with a great goal in the opening minutes of the 2^ndhalf. We were awarded a free kick outside the box and Irine Achieng placed a beautiful left-footed looping shot towards the far post of the goal. It sailed past the jumping goal keeper’s hands and Sharon Bismark leaped higher than the defender covering her for a perfect header into the back of the net. Kasagam never really had a serious threat on goal after that and we emerged as the winner, ready to face Kayole once again in the finals. It was a matchup of the previous two Champions; Suba Lakers in 2011 and Kayole in 2012.

The finals resembled the first group match, but this time there was even more effort and determination from both sides to take home the winner’s trophy. In the first half both teams had multiple shots on goal, but the game settled down in the second half and the defenses got more stingy. As the match was winding down, both teams were settling in to the reality that it would come down to post-match penalty kicks, but in the dying minutes a mistake cost the Suba Lakers. On a Kayole throw-in, the Lakers midfield relaxed for a moment and left the opponent unmarked. That player scooted through the midfield and laid a beautiful pass through the back defenders. Our goalkeeper recognized that the defense was beaten and raced to the ball, but she was a second too late as the striker chipped it over her head. With less than two minutes remaining we didn’t have a chance to mount a comeback. It was discouraging, but still a good showing for our girls who haven’t played or trained together very much during the school year.

While what’s happening on the pitch is often the focus of a tournament, we were grateful the girls were blessed with a special speaker. Margaret Belewa is the East Africa Regional Coordinator for Street Football World, a world-wide NGO dedicated to sustainable social change using football to support development and education. Margaret shared her personal life story with the girls, which included being brought up in a very humble home, much the same as our girls. She didn’t receive her first pair of shoes until she entered secondary school. She shared with the girls the importance of not only having dreams in life, but also setting goals. She challenged them to consider how their daily choices affect their future. She’s a very successful Kenyan woman who our girls can look to as an example, yet she wasn’t handed her success. She worked hard and taught our girls that “You can make it- if you work hard.”

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On September 2^nd, our secondary girls returned to their various boarding schools for the last term of the school year, and we won’t see them again until the end of November. In September, October and November we will be focusing on the primary school girls from around Mbita town.

My Choice, My Future

The Kisumu Youth Football Association (KYFA) hosts a Nationwide Girls Tournament each year, located in the city of Kisumu. This tournament attracts competitive teams from Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kitale and other parts of Kenya. In past years, we have always brought a team to compete in the Open Age category and a team to compete in the Under 15 age category. Because most of the secondary girls had just finished a long school football season, we decided to focus on the younger ones and only brought an Under 15 team. We’ve participated in this tournament for the past four years, and each year our team reached the semifinals; winning it the first year and finishing in third place every other year. This year we wanted to strive to regain the 1^stplace trophy which we believe we deserve as one of the best young teams in the country.

In sticking to the Suba Laker way of playing by the rules and regulations of each tournament, we are careful about only bringing players that fit into the age category. Our players must have birth certificates that confirm they are Under 15 years old. This means that we often are forced to leave some very good players off the team because they are a little too old. Often times, it seems like we are the only team which upholds to this value of sticking to the rules. We always find other teams having players who are much older than the designated age.

For this tournament, the matches are played on smaller fields with smaller goals and only 7 players on a side. This allows younger players the opportunity to be more involved in the game, with each player getting more ball touches in the match. With fewer players on the pitch, it is important for each one to be a quality player!

Our young players were up for the challenge and on the first day of preliminaries we managed two wins, both 1-0 on goals by our youngest and smallest player, Brenda June. Those results put us on top of the pool, tied with Port Florence. We met Port Florence in the first match on the 2^nd day. Even though they were much bigger and older, our girls managed to control the ball possession and dominated the game, though we found it difficult trying to score in the smaller goals. In the closing minutes, Port Florence took a shot from outside the box, and our goalkeeper mishandled the easy ball to give them a 1-0 victory. She played great the whole tournament and only allowed that one goal, but unfortunately it cost us dearly. In the final match we needed a 2-0 victory to clinch 2^nd place in the pool and qualify for semifinals but we came up just short. It was painful to watch one of the teams we defeated the first day, a skilled team from Nairobi, make it all the way to the finals. Sometimes- that’s just how sports go!

The most positive outcome of the KYFA tournament was what happened off the field. This year’s theme was, “My Choice, My Future.” They brought in guest speakers to share with all of the teams about the importance of having positive relationships, abstaining from sex until marriage, and making wise choices to build a better future. The girls were challenged on many different levels and were able to share many different things that they learned and want to apply to their lives. Mary Lucy, one of our older girls who finished high school last year, was taking care of the younger girls in the classroom where they were sleeping. She was also able to share devotions with them each night and each morning, and spend time in prayer and worship. Though we didn’t take home any trophy, these girls benefited very much from participating in the KYFA tournament; and really enjoyed the journey across the lake.