Harambee Stars Defender Begins Bid to Unlock Kenyan Football Potential Through Universities Tournament

Harambee Stars defender Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has launched an initiative aimed at giving back through football.

Ouma, who currently plies his trade with Polish side Rakow Czestochowa, is seeking to open doors for talented Kenyan youth through the inaugural EMOF Super Eight inter-university tournament, under the auspices of the Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma Foundation.

The eight-team tournament brings together some of Kenya’s top universities being Kenyatta University, who will host the competition, KCA, Strathmore, St Paul’s, African International University, Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University and Zetech.

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The three-day tournament, which will kick off on May 30 and run up to June 1, will start at the group stage with Group A comprising Kenyatta University, Strathmore, Zetech, and African International University, while Group B will have KCA, St Paul’s, Kenya Methodist and Mount Kenya University.

“This inaugural Inter-Universities Football Tournament is more than a competition—it is a statement. A statement that we are ready to build and reimagine the journey of a Kenyan footballer,” said Ouma, who is keen to integrate education and sport within football.

“We do not claim to have all the answers, but we are here to be part of the solution. Everywhere I have played, one lesson has remained constant—football does not grow through lone efforts. No federation, player, or organisation succeeds alone. The great footballing nations we admire today were built through collaboration—through many hands, many hearts, and a shared vision,” added the former AIK and Gor Mahia left-back.

Ouma’s initiative has received the backing of Harambee Stars teammate Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu.

“It is an exciting move that I believe will go a long way in exposing fine football talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. Congratulations to Marcelo for this,” said the ex-Gor Mahia and Kaizer Chiefs star.

KCA University’s Head of Sports and Campus Recreation, Mike Kisaghi, lauded Ouma’s effort, saying: “Participating in this tournament is a great idea. It is just a starting point, and you never know what may come out of it. By next year, we could have more than 20 teams competing. Universities have embraced this fully, and we will ensure its success. I only urge that there be no unnecessary external interference.”

Winners of the EMOF Super Cup will be awarded Ksh100,000 while the runners-up take home Ksh50,000 but beyond monetary rewards, Ouma hopes it will serve as a platform to bigger things for the players.