Harambee Stars defender to launch inter-schools tournament

Kenyan international and Raków Częstochowa left-back Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is giving back to the community by launching a nationwide high school football tournament through his Erick Marcelo Ouma Foundation (EMOF).

Dubbed the EMOF Kenya Inter-High Schools Football Tournament, the competition is a professionally organized 11-a-side showcase aimed at bringing together leading secondary schools across the country.

The initiative, according to EMOF, is grounded in using sport as a tool to spotlight young talent, promote healthy competition, and equip students with vital life skills both on and off the pitch.

The inaugural edition will kick off in the Western Region, where Ouma’s football journey began.

“This tournament reflects our vision of using sports as a tool for empowerment, education, and real opportunity for youth. We want to create a self-sustaining generation of youth who are resilient, confident, and equipped with the skills to build successful futures,” the EMOF posted on its social media handles.

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Each edition of the tournament will feature eight schools, selected through a public voting process. The tournament will follow a knockout format, with regional champions crowned after each round.

Awards, trophies, and individual player recognitions will be up for grabs to ensure both team and personal achievements are celebrated.

A voting link for the school selection process will be unveiled soon, with the first matches scheduled to begin in the next school term.

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Ouma, a Kakamega High School alumnus who rose to fame with Gor Mahia in 2016, has continued to shine both locally and internationally. Since his move from Swedish side AIK to Raków in early 2024, the dynamic left-back has had a standout season.

During Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Namibia and Zimbabwe in October 2024, Ouma delivered a crucial assist for Duke Abuya’s goal and maintained a solid defensive presence.

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In World Cup qualifying matches, he was instrumental as well, providing an assist to Michael Olunga in a narrow 2-1 loss to Gabon and another to Mohammed Bajaber in a 3-3 draw with Gambia.

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