Harambee Stars midfielder lauds grassroots football tournaments as avenue for youth empowerment
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 01.01.26. | 12:20
The 19 year old was in attendance at the DIG Masengeli Super Cup final held in Saboti, an event that drew an impressive turnout and brought together local football fans, community leaders and national figures in a celebration of the game at its most basic and influential level
Harambee Stars and Celta Vigo midfielder Aldrine Kibet used part of his festive break back home in Kenya to shine a spotlight on the importance of grassroots football, describing it as a powerful tool for youth development and empowerment.
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The 19-year-old was in attendance at the DIG Masengeli Super Cup final held in Saboti, an event that drew an impressive turnout and brought together local football fans, community leaders, and national figures in a celebration of the game at its most basic and influential level.
Kibet used the occasion to explain the role such tournaments play in identifying and nurturing young talent, while also fostering discipline, teamwork, and purpose among the youth.
His presence added star value to the final, while his message resonated strongly with aspiring players watching from the sidelines.
The tournament also attracted several high-profile leaders, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen and Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang.
Following the event, Kibet took to his official Facebook page on 28 December to share his experience and applaud the organizers for creating a platform that goes beyond competition to touch lives.
“Great moments in Saboti. I attended the DIG Masengeli Super Cup final in Saboti, an inspiring platform that nurtures young talents, promotes teamwork, and empowers our youth through sports. Also in attendance were CS Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Senator Allan Chesang, Hon. Thomas Kiptoo Kwalia, and many others,” Kibet posted.
Kibet’s appearance in Saboti came at a time when his career in Spain continued to attract growing attention back home.
In July 2025, the former St. Anthony’s Boys High School student completed a move to the Spanish side, Celta Vigo, signing a four-year contract that runs until 2029.
He joined the La Liga outfit on a free transfer and initially linked up with the club’s reserve side, Celta Fortuna, as part of his gradual integration into European football.
Since the move, Kibet has remained one of Kenya’s most talked about young footballers, with hundreds of fans closely tracking his progress and frequently flooding Celta Vigo’s social media platforms with calls for him to earn more minutes and a chance with the senior team.
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The attacking midfielder has responded with performances on the pitch. He made his professional debut in August 2025 and went on to deliver consistent displays for the club’s youth and reserve teams.
By the end of the year, he had scored three goals in two matches, including a brace in a commanding victory over Real Oviedo’s Under 19 side in November 2025.
His rise did not go unnoticed. In early December 2025, Kibet trained with Celta Vigo’s first team ahead of a high-profile La Liga clash against Real Madrid.
Although he did not make the final matchday squad, the call-up was widely viewed as another significant step forward in his development.
Kibet also reached a major milestone on the international stage in November 2025 when he earned his first senior call-up to the Harambee Stars.
He went on to make his debut against Equatorial Guinea at the age of 19, capping a remarkable year that confirmed his ascent from rainy school football pitches to the professional and international arena.
