By Betty Luke
Isiolo’s Grevy Zebra FC was Sunday crowned the winner of the first edition of MGB and Nacada football tournament after trouncing Bilbao FC 4-2 during the final match held at Isiolo Boys School grounds.
“We’ve trained hard for this moment, and winning means everything to us,”noted one of Grevy Zebra’s player,”Football keeps us focused and away from drugs”
The competition, that attracted a total of 33 teams across the entire county, sought to raise awareness on the negative impacts of drug and substance abuse and nurture the youths to become ambassadors of change in their respective communities.
An initiative by Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya in partnership with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the tourney also sought to encourage youth to instead of indulging in drug use to enroll to Technical Training and Vocational Centers to gain hands on skills that would help them start own income generating ventures.
Over the past two weeks, 33 teams, 30 from the county and three regional representatives, battled it out on the pitch, demonstrating both their football prowess and commitment to a drug-free future.
“This tournament is not just about football but about saving a generation. If we don’t take care of our young people, we risk raising an irresponsible generation,” noteds Bonaya.
The lawmaker maintained that there was need for collective responsibility in addressing drug use that had become a menace and rendered hundreds of young people irresponsible.
“Through sports, we are encouraging them to channel their energy into productive activities rather than drugs,” she added.
County Nacada Coordinator Alice Mwangi emphasized the importance of alternative recreational activities for the youth so that they are not lured into crime and promiscuous behaviour.
“Young people should know there are other ways of having fun besides using drugs. Drug use will simply ruin your life,” she said.
The official revealed that tobbaco and miraa use topped the list of most abused drugs in Isiolo and called on the young generation to consider alternative and safer ways of handling stress and idleness.
She also highlighted the need for psychosocial support for those struggling with addiction, stressing that treatment requires more than just medical intervention.
County FKF Chairperson Hussein Abuku appealed for more initiatives that engage young people meaningfully.
“We need more such tournaments to keep our youth busy and motivated. Idleness is one of the reasons many resort to drugs. If we give them opportunities, they will make better choices,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Kenya Premier League’s referee Ahmed Daud Hassan who officiated the final match at Isiolo Boys High school grounds.
He urged leaders to create more programs, especially for younger children during the holidays.“If we engage them early, we reduce the risk of them falling into drug abuse”.
The event also served as a platform to educate young people on opportunities available to them. Ms Bonaya lamented the low enrollment at local TVETs.
“We urge our young people to take advantage of these vocational centers and acquire skills that will help them earn a living,” she said.
