A1000-Street-Captain-David-Ojwang lifting the trophy after winning the 38th Koth Biro final on 11th January, 2016 at Ziwani Grounds. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, January 10 – Mathare United forward Roy Syamba hit the target and provided two assists to inspire Kaloleni based A 1000 Street retain the annual Koth Biro tournament after thrashing Pumwani All Stars 3-0 in pulsating final played at Nairobi’s Ziwani Grounds on Sunday.
In the third place play off, home team Opitos overcame Headquarters 2-0 to clinch third place and pocket Sh50, 000.
A 1000 Street who featured six SportPesa Premier League players were favourites and they did not disappoint, scoring all three goals in the first half to receive Sh100, 000 cash prize whilst Pumwani got Sh75, 0000.
“I knew we would win this. The difficult part came during the semi-finals and when we beat Opitos, I knew we would retain the trophy. I can’t wait for the next tou rnament,”A1000 Street coach Zablon “Pro” Otieno said after the match.
Tusker FC midfielder, Brian Osumba opened the scoring in the 28th minute when he managed to slice through All Stars defense before unleashing a thunderous shot from outside the box.
Matta then doubled the scores four minutes later after drawing out on rushing goalkeeper Ryan Hamisi and shooting into the empty net.
Syamba, who had set-up Osumba and Mata completed the first half rout with a brilliant header past the poorly arranged All Stars’ defense three minutes to the interval.
All Stars presented a more formidable game in the second half, with Nakumatt captain Peter Nzuki, Tyrone Otieno, and Saad Mohammed thrice testing Mathare United goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo with their dangerous shots but lady luck was not on their side.
Nzuki found himself unmarked just outside the box in the 63rd but he wasted the chance to pull one back after seeing his right footed screamer miss the target by inches before Bernard Meki’s efforts for Pumwani being matched equally by those from A1000 Street’s second half substitute and Mathare United defender Robinson Kamura.
Pumwani, coached by Mohammed Curtis were wasteful in the last 10 minutes with the holders containing their lead to successfully defend the title.
Kenya Sports Journalists Association of Kenya in conjunction with sponsors SportPesa awarded the outstanding players in the month-long old tournament in the country that was celebrating its 38th year.
Kelvin Kyalo from Headquarters FC was voted tournament’s Most Valuable Player to receive Sh20, 000 and a 43-inch smart TV from electronics firm LG whilst Wenyeji FC striker Salim Ochola received Sh15, 000 for finishing as the top scorer with seven goals.
Morris Muiya, 16-year old from Umeme Bees was named the best goal keeper to walk home with Sh15, 000 and a pair of gloves with Harambee Stars and Norway’s Lillestromme custodian, Arnold Origi adding the youngster Sh10,000.
