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Eric Marcelo’s dream turns to reality as KU emerge winners in his inaugural tourney
02nd June, 2026 05:01 PM
Kenyatta University clinched the inaugural Eric Marcelo Ouma Supa Eight Tournament following their hard-fought 4-3 victory on post-match penalties against the hosts, Strathmore University, on Monday evening, June 1, 2026.
The end-to-end match produced every ingredient of a classical final in front of a charged crowd at the Strathmore University Sports Complex.
Despite multiple goal-scoring attempts on both sides, the mouth-watering game needed post-match spot kicks to decide the winner.
John Mbaraka skied Strathmore’s third penalty as Joshua Wamanga netted the winner for KU to send their loud fans into delirium.
Kenyatta University captain Austin Tandasi, who converted the first penalty, expressed his elation after the win.
“I am so happy, it’s a great moment for our team and this victory is a product of our determination, discipline and teamwork. I would like to appreciate Eric Ouma for the wonderful initiative. This is a platform that we have lacked for a long time and it’s a good stage for players on campus,” Tandasi said.
Appreciation to Marcelo
Head coach Kelvin Ngare was over the moon after the glorious evening in Madaraka.
“We had prepared well for the tournament. We had a good time for like four months since we knew about this cup. Winning against tough opposition is really satisfying and I would like to thank Eric Ouma for this kind gesture. It means a lot for the players,” Coach Ngare remarked.
Eight teams, namely Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, KCA, Mount Kenya, Methodist University, Africa International, St. Paul’s and Zetech University, took part in the premier edition that began on Saturday, June 30, 2026.
Winners KU walked away with Ksh100,000 while the runners-up got Ksh50,000. Bronze medallists Mount Kenya University, who beat Kenya Methodist University 3-1 in the play-off, banked Ksh25,000.
Marcelo inspires
The tournament is a brain-child of Harambee Stars speedy defender Eric Ouma who expressed desire to scale the heights of university football talents. He also added that the purpose of the tournament was to inspire budding talents locally and help them dream big along their football careers.
Ouma, whose career started at the dusty Woodley grounds in Kibra before being honed at the famed Green Commandos of Kakamega High School and later Gor Mahia FC, is a motivational figure to many upcoming athletes.
“We have had a thrilling three-day football extravaganza. We have witnessed great skills being displayed from the group stage to the final. What we have seen is actually in tandem with the objective of the tournament which is to give opportunities to players on campus to show their talents and career progression.” He said.
On giving back to society through the game that earned him several accolades and experiences, the Kenyan international has been exemplary, showcasing his strong belief in the importance of football academies.
Marcelo has been continuously engaged with his immediate community through his recovery process.
