Bunge FC’s Aaron Cheruyiot (Kericho Senator) (L) and Amos Mwago (Starehe MP) (R) vie for the ball against SJAK’s Walter Kinjo of Radio Maisha during their friendly match at the Kenya Police Sacco Stadium on Thursday morning. PHOTO BY Oliver Ananda
On a chilly Thursday morning, an enthusiastic Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) football team produced a fine display to beat Bunge FC 3-1 in a hyped-friendly match at the Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.
Solomon Alubala had given the legislators the lead half past the hour mark but sizzling forward Steve Ayoo restored order on the floor of the house with a superb equalizer six minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive error inside the box.
First-half substitute Rogers Bracho gave the sports scribes the lead two minutes before the interval with a brilliant tap-in from a Fred Arocho grass-cutting pass.
SJAK head coach Gregory Mulemi made tactical changes in the second half that saw the team command the play from the back.
Youngster Frank Solitei netted the third goal for SJAK after rounding off the sleepy Bunge FC defense, choosing the top left corner of the goalpost to seal the sumptuous victory.
Bunge FC is set to hit camp early next month in Nairobi to begin preparations for the 2023 East African Legislative Assembly Games set for Kigali, Rwanda in December.
Skipper Otiende Amollo expressed his delight for the friendly match against the Sports Journalists, acknowledging the role the scribes play in society for development.
“We are grateful for this day; we have a good time to know each other as we play together. This is a noble idea for fitness and for collaboration. We understand the role that the media play in our country in highlighting issues that concern the mwananchi. This is just the beginning and we look forward to having deliberations on how we can work together.”
Amollo’s sentiments were echoed by Embakasi South Member of Parliament who also serves as the assistant captain Julius Mawathe and Starehe MP Amos Mwago.
SJAK president James Waindi thanked Bunge FC leadership for the invitation to play the test match and requested further collaboration with the lawmakers to better the sporting real in the country.
“I would like to thank team Bunge FC for a very good game. We have all enjoyed and that is the power of sports, bringing people together. We are open to taking this relationship to higher heights in the near future in terms of collaboration as we can improve our sports through legislation and accountability. As you prepare for the EALA games, we wish you all the best. Team SJAK is also available for a curtain raiser game with the Rwandan journalists and should be deemed fit then we will be ready to accompany you in Kigali.” Waindi said.
