News Focus
- Safaricom Hook donates full football kits and training equipment to four Mathare-based teams
- The initiative supports over 200 boys and girls aged between 8 and 18 through the True Colours programme
- Young Cranes and Beijing Raiders won their respective 7-aside matches during the launch event
- The programme connects local talent with the upcoming Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament
S-Hook, the youth platform operated by Safaricom, has joined forces with the Kambi Safi Community Initiative to boost grassroots football in Mathare. The partnership saw four local clubs receive essential sporting equipment at the Mcedo Beijing Grounds earlier this week.
Young Cranes, Beijing Raiders, Flames FC, and True Colors FC were the beneficiaries of the donation. Each team received complete playing strips, match balls, goalkeeper gloves, and tactical training boards to support their development.
The Kambi Safi organisation runs the True Colours Football Team, which works with more than 200 children aged eight to eighteen. Beyond developing skills on the pitch, the programme offers psychological help to youngsters who have suffered trauma. It also builds life skills such as discipline, confidence, and teamwork.
Peter Njogu, who chairs the Kambi Safi initiative, spoke about the importance of creating safe spaces for young people. He explained that when communities provide mentorship and chances to display talent, young players gain hope and stay away from harmful activities. He added that such programmes open pathways for professional careers in sport.
The event included two competitive 7-aside matches. In the girls’ clash, Beijing Raiders recovered from an early setback to defeat Flames FC by three goals to one, with a crucial penalty bringing them back into the contest. Meanwhile, the boys’ fixture saw Young Cranes overcome True Colors FC by two goals to nil in a match dubbed the Mathare Youth Derby. Both winning sides lifted trophies after the final whistle.
This project links directly to the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, which searches for football talent across Kenya. Officials used the occasion to encourage local teams to register for the competition, which starts at ward level and progresses to national finals. Through these efforts, Safaricom aims to show young people in informal settlements that sport can lead to viable careers.