Makueni set sights on KYISA clean sweep as contingent heads to Laikipia

The county is eyeing a clean sweep across all disciplines after bagging five medals in last year’s edition held in Homabay, including a third successive women's football title.

To achieve the unprecedented feat, the county roped in top scouters who descended Wote town to help forge all-star rosters following the conclusion of the Mutula Kilonzo Junior (MKJ) Supa Cup held last week, which also marked the end of Ligi Mashinani's 2025/2026 season.

The scouting bench featured high-profile expertise, including Rising Starlets head coach Jackline Juma, former Ulinzi Stars coach Stephen Ocholla, Equity Volleyball’s Patrick Owino, and Nairobi Water Women’s handball coach Thodosia Sangoro.

The contingent, donning the Makueni’s KYISA colourful ceremonial kit, was officially flagged off by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, who urged the players to carry a profound sense of duty as they represent the county in Laikipia.

Kilonzo Junior also called on the players to embrace their attacking "DNA" in their pursuit of the overall KYISA title.

“You have become our ambassadors and we wish you well in Laikipia. We’ve done our part and it’s now your turn to show the country what Makueni County possesses," the Governor remarked.

The Governor also encouraged the squad to leverage social media during the week-long championship for their professional visibility.

“I request you to post your clips while playing on social media. You never know who is watching and you might meet your next club through for example TikTok. So use social media to even promote yourself. Don't be shy because that is a place where I think we can also try to promote you.”

The team will depart for Nyahururu on Saturday for the week-long tournament that brings together youth aged 18–23 from all 47 counties to showcase their talent and compete for top honours.

Makueni enters the competition as a formidable force, arriving as defending champions in women’s football and men’s basketball. They also look to go one step further in men’s football, men’s volleyball, and women’s basketball, where they finished as runners-up during the 10th edition in Homa Bay.

The Governor attributed this success to robust grassroots sports management, strategic ward-level funding, and a rigorous talent scouting process involving national club scouts.