Tusker forward cum preacher donates Ksh100,000 Mozzart Bet Cup's MVP cheque to former club

When Ian Simiyu joined Nzoia Sportiff's youth ranks in 2010, his coaches, Mathias Onyango, Jotham Ngaa, and the late Jonathan Aoko challenged him to live up to a familiar name.

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They believed he had the potential to follow in the footsteps of his late father, Henry Simiyu, popularly known as Mbanacho—loosely translated as 'generous man' in the Bukusu dialect—a revered winger who made his name at Nzoia Sugar FC.

Ian never had the chance to watch his father in action, as he passed away in 2005 when he was still a young boy.

But those who had seen the elder Simiyu play spoke of an explosive winger blessed with blistering pace and a keen eye for goal, qualities his coaches quickly recognised in the youngster thanks to his exploits with Lifundo, a football made from polythene bags.

Among 14 siblings, Ian and his elder brother, Moses Masinde, pursued football seriously.

His natural ability convinced his coaches that he had the talent not only to honour his father's legacy but also to surpass his achievements.

True to their assessment, the 21-year-old has become a household name in Kenyan football following his outstanding performances in the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup.

He not only helped Tusker lift the trophy but also walked away with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Midfielder awards.

On top of that, he claimed the Man of the Match Humanitarian Cheque for the final, as his brace saw the Brewers edge Kenya Police FC 2-1 to end their 10-year wait for the title.

Even before his electrifying display in the Cup, Simiyu had already honoured his late father and, by extension, made his extended family proud through his impressive performances in the FKF Premier League.

Moreover, following in his father's footsteps by playing for Nzoia Sugar in both the FKF Premier League and the National Super League was, in itself, a remarkable achievement.

However, being crowned the best player of the Mozzart Bet Cup, the country's oldest football tournament, was an even more fulfilling milestone for the youngest member of the large family.

Simiyu understands better than anyone that he would not be enjoying the spotlight that has come with his performances in the tournament, were it not for the solid foundation laid by Nzoia Sportif.

Having won the Humanitarian Cheque, Simiyu elected to redeem it and donate sporting equipment, worth Ksh100,000, to Sportif, the club that believed in him when he was a pupil at Nzoia Sugar Industrial Primary School.

Nicknamed Star boy, Simiyu quietly made entry to Sudi Stadium on Tuesday, 7 July, but it did not take long before scores of locals, his former teammates, former teachers, coaches and administrators showed up after getting wind of his presence.

Simiyu, who graduated to Sportiff's senior team in 2013, did not walk in empty-handed as he donated 15 footballs, 18 full sets of kits, five pairs of boots, two pairs of gloves, among others.

"I am delighted to return home and boost the team that gave me a proper introduction to football. I would not be where I am today, were it not for the platform they gave me when I was a young boy.

They not only laid the foundation for my football career, but also instilled strong values on which I stand," said Simiyu.

While many know him for his wing wizardry, Simiyu revealed that the values tapped from the club enable him to issue motivational talks to young players and instil hope in the downtrodden society.

Additionally, he preaches the word at the Tabernacle of Praise International back at home and at New Life Church in Nairobi.

"The team has produced many great players over the years. Giving back enables the current ones to follow in our footsteps. Special thanks to Mozzart Bet for helping outstanding players to uplift clubs of their choice, " added Simiyu, who left Sportiff in 2020 for Nzoia Sugar FC.

Speaking after receiving the donation, Sportiff chairman George Kinuthia expressed gratitude to Simiyu and Mozzart Bet for the gesture.

"When he won it in the final, we knew he would do something to us. He promised it on a live broadcast, and we are happy he has kept his word.

He has been a great ambassador of our club, and we believe he is destined for greater heights. We also thank Mozzart Bet for the initiative and effort in promoting grassroots clubs," said Kinuthia.

Meanwhile, Catherine Twanga, a teacher at Nzoia Industrial Comprehensive School, opened up on Simiyu's love for football and how disciplined he was while growing up.

"He was very talented during his time as a pupil. He was a great dribbler and a strong pillar during school games. He was also disciplined and took academic work seriously.

We are happy to see him doing well out there and playing for a big club. He is humble and talented enough to make it to the next level, " said Twanga.