Champions GFE 105 out to retain title as BingwaFest sports extravaganza returns

After lifting the football trophy at the inaugural BingwaFest sports extravaganza last year in Eldoret that saw them walk home with a cool Sh1 million cash prize, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One side GFE 105 FC are not sleeping on their laurels.

The former Safaricom Sakata Ball national champions are already plotting to defend their prestigious position at the lucrative second edition of the BingwaFest showpiece that now has cash prizes totaling over Sh 120 million across seven regions.

Already over 2000 athletes across Kenya have registered for the multi-discipline sports event that starts with the Lake Region showdown between August 7-10, 2024.

“The victory (BingwaFest) inspired us to finish second overall in the FKF Division One this season, it also came with good tidings as gaming firm Betika was able to give us a Sh1.6 million boost that inspired our good run in the league.

“We are not only looking forward to defending our BingwaFest title this year, but we are also looking forward to gaining promotion into the FKF National Super League in the new season that commences in September,” GFE 105 Chairman Shem Mburu told Standard Sports.

The team has been boosted with 15 new players ahead of the BingwaFest and the FKF league contests.

“Our aim is to bring football back to Uasin Gishu County and ultimately qualify for the FKF Premier League just like other former Edoret sides Mahakama FC, Rivatex FC and the KCC,” Mburu underlined.

Stephen Mungai, whose side, Basketbros, beat Snack Pic to lift the basketball contest at the BingwaFest last season, says they are much ready to guard their coveted position this season.

But Sheldon Ouma of Snack Pic reiterated his side has done enough homework to dethrone Basketbros from their basking glory. Ouma is also looking forward to defending the Shooting Challenge trophy he won at the event last year.

The nationwide multi-disciplinary sports event, which is a part of the Betika na Community initiative, was launched at a colorful ceremony in Nairobi on Thursday.

The challenge was inaugurated last year with the objective of promoting grassroots sportsmanship, highlighting athletic talent, and cultivating a sense of community through competitive sports.

This year's edition will include a diverse range of sports, such as football, athletics, 3x3 basketball, and, for the first time, rugby.

Mutua Mutava, CEO and Managing Director of Betika Group Kenya, stated during the launch, “BingwaFest was established from our strong belief in the ability of sports to inspire, motivate, and unite individuals. This initiative reflects our dedication to community engagement and making a positive impact. We encourage everyone to participate, support, and enjoy this event. Whether you are an athlete, coach, or fan, your enthusiasm and support will contribute significantly to the success of this showpiece.”

In the upcoming months, BingwaFest will host a series of competitions across seven regions, culminating in a grand finale where the top teams and athletes will compete for prestigious awards. Each region will have a total prize pool of Sh17 million in cash prizes. Grassroot teams will compete across Western, Nyanza, Coast, Lower Eastern, Mountain, Nairobi and Rift Valley.

Cynthia Mumbo, the Founder and CEO of Sports Connect Africa and Under 40 Leaders in Sport, stated, "We will commence BingwaFest in the Lake Victoria region, where the first tournament will be held. Over 32 football teams will compete for a cash prize of up to Sh 500,000. Following this, we will move on to the Nyanza region for the second tournament.”

Betika na Community is committed to investing millions of shillings in community development initiatives and supporting youth talent by enhancing local sports at both grassroots and mainstream levels, along with promoting cultural and social community activities.