Super 8 League celebrates 20 years of nurturing talent

The Extreme Sports Limited, the organisers of the Super 8 football league, held vicennial celebrations on Friday to mark 20 years since the inception of the league

The league was founded in 2003. The occasion reflected on a remarkable milestone of 20 years in the promotion of grassroots football and youth empowerment.

It was a night marked with pomp and colour graced by dignitaries, captains of various industries and stakeholders in the country and saw the top three teams in each category featured in the last edition of Super 8 league being rewarded with cash awards and other prizes.

As part of the 20 years' celebration of an extraordinary milestone in the world of grassroots football, both the Super 8 premier and division one clubs were appreciated for their gallant and exceptional performance during the event through the corporate support of Fly Skyward Express and Garane & Somane Advocates with a prize kitty of Sh1, 220,000 cumulatively.

Top honours in the Super 8 Premier League went to Melta Kabiria who were the Super 8 Premier league winners with Githurai All Stars and Technical University of Kenya (TUK) finishing as first and second runners up respectively.

Super 8 Division one saw Leeds United scoop the top honours as the winners of the league with the 1st runners up prize going to Deportivo of Ongata Rongai, while Kisa All Stars finished third.

Extreme Sports founder and Chief Executive Officer Hussein Mohammed, who has led the tournament over the years playing a key role in the development of the game, said he was happy to have seen the tournament produce some of the country's best players.

"As we look back on two decades of breathtaking action and look forward to the future, it's a moment to appreciate the memories, the friendships formed, and the unforgettable experiences that have made Super 8 an integral part of Kenya's sports history. Cheers to 20 years, and here's to many more thrilling moments to come," said Mohammed.

At the same time, Hussein hinted at the return of the league in 2024 with the incorporation of potential partners who have expressed willingness to support grassroots football.

"We are looking forward to expanding the potential of having more partners into the game and increase the value of the tournament as well as having a wider community outreach through the game. We want to see the players have a sense of belonging in conjunction with the fans," said Mohammed.

Among the players who have successfully launched their football careers from their involvement with Super 8 include former Harambee stars captain Victor Wanyama, Gor Mahia goalkeeper trainer Bonface Oluoch, Tusker goalkeeper Brian Bwire and AFC Leopards duo of Kayci Odhiambo and Lewis Bandi.