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Wangari Warriors crowned inaugural Empower Mchezaji champions
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 20.07.25. | 08:23
The one-day tournament was played in a 7-a-side format, with each team comprising six female players and just one male player,
Wangari Warriors will go down in history books as the champions of the first-ever Empower Mchezaji tournament held on Saturday, 19 July, at the serene Mashuuru Complex in Kajiado County.
The tournament, which brought together 12 teams, was organized by football advocate and media personality Nana Owiti. The teams were united by a cause bigger than sport, as the tournament aimed at creating a safe, inclusive space for women in football while raising awareness on critical social issues, including gender-based violence, early marriages, and systemic barriers that continue to hinder female athletes’ careers.
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The choice of the location, Mashuuru, nestled away from the city’s noise, was also intentional. It offered players, many currently in their offseason, an opportunity to reset, reconnect with nature, and reflect on their journey both on and off the pitch.
The one-day tournament was played in a 7-a-side format, with each team comprising six female players and just one male player, to symbolize the balance and inclusivity the tournament aimed to achieve.
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The teams were creatively named after iconic Kenyan women who have left an indelible mark across various sectors, among them environmentalist Wangari Maathai, triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, diplomat and activist Orie Rogo Manduli, and the late volleyball legend Janet Wanja.
Wangari Warriors had a rocky start, falling 2-1 to Chelagat Warriors in their opening match.
But they quickly found their rhythm, thrashing Wanja Waves 4-0 to finish their pool stage on a high.
In the semifinals, the Warriors overcame Obiri Starlets 2-0 to set up a final showdown against Chelagat Warriors, who had eliminated Orie Rogo Falcons 2-1.
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The final was a tightly contested affair that ended 1-1 in regular time, but Wangari Warriors held their nerve in the penalty shootouts to claim a 2-1 victory and the inaugural title.
Their Warriors squad featured some of the most notable names in Kenyan football, including Yanga SC’s Duke Abuya, Corazon Aquino, Diana Wacera, Fasila Adhiambo, and Faith Mboya.
Reflecting on the tournament’s success, a visibly emotional Owiti told Mozzart Sport that the event was a manifestation of a long-held dream.
“What inspired me to host this tournament is the void. I’ve been attending women’s matches, and I saw the gap. As an influencer with a platform, I wanted to use it to bring change,” she said.
She credited her roots, noting that one of the founders of Ulinzi Starlets is her aunt a connection that sparked her deep passion for women’s football.
“People from Kajiado showed up and embraced the idea; it was beautiful. Next time, we’ll have more time to prepare and bring sponsors on board. It’s no longer just a dream; it’s something tangible,” she continued.
Looking ahead, Owiti plans to make the next edition even bigger.
“I want the players who fight for the badge to feel seen. This was not just a tournament; it was healing, a community, and a celebration all in one. I was made for this,” she concluded.
Group stage results:
Pool A:
Chelagat Warriors 2-1 Wangari Warriors
Wanja Waves 1-0 Nyiva Champs
Chelagat Warriors 0-0 Wanja Waves
Nyiva Champs 0-0 Wangari Warriors
Wangari Warriors 4-0 Wanja Waves
Chelagat Warriors 0-1 Nyiva Champs
Pool B:
Karua Queens 1-2 Kipyegon Strikers
Orie Rogo Falcons 2-0 Obiri Starlets
Obiri Starlets 2-1 Karua Queens
Kipyegon Strikers 1-0 Orie Rogo Falcons
Karua Queens 0-2 Orie Rogo Falcons
Obiri Starlets 3-0 Kipyegon Strikers
Semifinals:
Wangari Warriors 2-0 Obiri Starlets
Chelagat Warriors 2-1 Orie Rogo Falcons
Final:
Wangari Warriors 1-1 Chelagat Warriors
(Wangari won 2-1 on penalties)
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