South C Rangers etched their names into history on Saturday, driving away with a 33-seater bus after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over State City in the inaugural Abass Khalif Super Cup final. The win marks a pivotal moment for the team and the culmination of a tournament that has injected significant resources and excitement into Nairobi's local football scene.

This tournament is more than just a game; it's a direct investment in the futures of young athletes across Lang'ata. By offering tangible, high-value prizes, the competition provides a powerful incentive for community teams who often struggle with basic logistics like transport for away matches.

A Goal Worth a Bus

The decisive moment in the final, held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, came in the 58th minute. Forward Ali Maleche found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive error to score the lone goal that would ultimately secure the grand prize for his team. The victory was the climax of a demanding tournament that kicked off on November 10, featuring 40 teams from five different wards.

Organizer Abass Khalif, who serves as the MCA for South C, emphasized that the goal is to empower local youth through sport. In a significant show of support, every participating team was given KES 50,000 and a full set of jerseys to ensure a professional standard throughout the event.

More Than Just a Trophy

The prizes have set a new benchmark for grassroots tournaments. While South C Rangers won the 33-seater bus, the runners-up, State City, did not leave empty-handed, securing a 14-seater matatu. The unique prizes have sparked debate among the winning teams, with some members advocating to use the vehicles for team logistics while others suggest selling them to share the proceeds.

• Champions: South C Rangers (Won a 33-seater bus)
• Runners-up: State City (Won a 14-seater matatu)
• Most Valuable Player: Ali Maleche (South C Rangers)
• Golden Boot: John Wambua (Kuwinda) with seven goals

As the inaugural event concludes, the Abass Khalif Super Cup has established itself as a major fixture on the local sports calendar. For players like MVP Ali Maleche, the tournament was a vital platform. "This tournament has given us a platform to show our talent... it is a step toward bigger opportunities," he noted, expressing hope that his performance might lead to a spot in a bigger club.