){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
SHA
){kind=small}
TUF
){kind=small}
KAS
){kind=small}
MAU
){kind=small}
MUR
){kind=small}
BAN
){kind=small}
BID
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=small}
AFC
){kind=small}
POR
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=logo}
JUV
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
KOE
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SGE
){kind=logo}
FCU
){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
LEE
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=logo}
BET
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEC
){kind=small}
INT
){kind=small}
RBL
){kind=small}
BVB
){kind=small}
WHU
){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=small}
OSA
){kind=logo}
RMA
)
The Sixth Edition of the Waziri 1XBet Cup, a grassroots tournament which has produced established internationals like Manzur Okwaro and Collins Sichenje, is set to kick off later this month in four different counties.
The sixth edition of the Waziri 1XBet Cup is set to bring another wave of excitement, community spirit, and grassroots football when it kicks off on October 16 in Webuye, Bungoma County.
The annual tournament, which began as a small local initiative, has since blossomed into one of the biggest grassroots competitions in the region, producing talents such as Manzur Okwaro and Collins Sichenje, who have gone on to represent Kenya internationally.
This year, 56 teams will compete across football, rugby, and basketball in a festival that will also include empowerment projects, charity drives, and entertainment.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
The competition has been boosted by a Sh2.5 million sponsorship from 1XBet, making this the most ambitious and wide-reaching edition yet. Matches will stretch across four counties — Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu — before the champions are crowned at the Panpaper Ilala Stadium on December 27.
But the Waziri Cup has never been just about sport. Founder Salim Waziri insists that its heartbeat lies in giving young people a purpose during the December holidays while addressing wider community needs.
From setting up youth-run car washes and salons to donating wheelchairs and sanitary kits, the tournament’s impact goes far beyond the pitch.In this exclusive Q&A, Pulse Sports sat down with Salim Waziri to talk about the inspiration behind the competition, its remarkable growth, and his bold vision for its future.
Q: What inspired you to create the Waziri Cup?
)
First and foremost, my name is Salim Waziri, founder of the Waziri Super Cup, which this year is branded as the Waziri 1X Cup thanks to our main sponsor, 1XBet.My greatest inspiration was to bring the community together.
Too often, we point fingers at leaders for not doing enough, but I decided the responsibility had to begin with us. I thought to myself: what can keep our youth engaged over the December holidays, when many are vulnerable to drugs and other negative activities?
That’s how the tournament was born — to give people something positive to look forward to.It was also personal. I wanted to honor my late father, Mr. Ali Abakari Waziri, who was a man that loved football deeply. This tournament is a way of keeping his memory alive.
Q: How has the tournament grown since the first edition?
The growth has been incredible. We started small, with just six teams. In fact, we didn’t even have enough footballs — sometimes one team had to finish before another could play. But through consistency, faith, and belief, we’ve expanded to 56 teams today.We also started with only football, but now the tournament includes other sports such as rugby and basketball. It has truly become a multidisciplinary event.
Q: What makes this year special?
This year’s edition is unlike any other. For the first time, we are introducing an after-party, headlined by Masauti and renowned Luhya musician Opeto Aumusungu.But beyond entertainment, what makes it truly special are the stars who will grace the event.
Alphonce Omija, Manzur Okwaro, Collins Sichenje, and even a coach from West Ham will take part in a football clinic.The tournament is also expanding geographically. Besides Bungoma, matches will be hosted in Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu counties, making it a regional showcase.
)
Q: What role does grassroots football play in shaping Kenyan football?
Grassroots football is the foundation. These tournaments are the nurseries where the next generation of national team players will come from.
When a young player from Nzoia Sugar gets a chance to face someone like Collins Sichenje, who plays in Europe, the inspiration is unmatched. That is why we remain committed — because we want to build something that will outlive us and produce Kenya’s future stars.
Q: This year 1XBet has partnered with you. How does that help the tournament?
1XBet is not only advocating for responsible gaming but also investing in the growth of grassroots football. Their support goes beyond the pitch.
This year, through our partnership, we will support 1,500 needy families, provide 3,000 girls with sanitary towels, set up a car wash project for a 15-member youth group in Webuye and donate 50 wheelchairs to residents in Bungoma and surrounding counties.
Media partners such as Mediamax and medical partners like St. John’s Ambulance are also on board, ensuring visibility, safety, and national impact. This shows the Waziri Cup is not just about football — it’s about transforming lives.
)
Q: What are your hopes for the future of this tournament?
Our dream is that by the 10th edition, we will have reached all 47 counties. The vision is to bring county champions together for a grand final at Nyayo National Stadium.Long-term, we want to create a legacy where the Waziri Cup is remembered as a launchpad for top Kenyan footballers.
Q: What about prize money?
Football: KSh 150,000 (winners), 80,000 (runners-up), 40,000 (third place).Rugby: KSh 50,000, 30,000, 20,000. Other sports will also have prize allocations.
Q: Do you see a future where one permanent team is formed from the Waziri Cup?
Yes. From the talent we have seen, we plan to form one strong team — composed of the best players from participating clubs — and, together with 1XBet, register it in the county league. That way, players discovered here will get regular competitive football.
Q: Which notable players have come through the Waziri Cup?
Several talents have already emerged, including, Collins Sichenje – now playing in Europe, Victor Opondo – who has turned out for Shabana FC and Manzur Okwaro – another standout product.
Q: What is the registration process for teams?
It is strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis. Every year, we share a registration link and distribute physical forms through coordinators. Because of high demand, we cap it at 56 teams — otherwise we would be overwhelmed with 300+ entries.This ensures order, fairness, and quality competition.