The People ­ Tuesday
Date: 15.11.2016
Page 27
Article size: 134 cm2
ColumnCM: 29.77
AVE: 37579.55
Betway gets two Kenyan youngsters trip to West Ham
by Lynette Matheka
English Premier League side West Ham
United will early next year host two Kenyan
footballers at the club's UK base in a bid to
broaden their experience. The trip will also
and present the youngsters with an oppor­
tunity to interact with world­class players
was made at a ceremony at Kasarani Sta­
dium Nairobi as part of the Betway Talent
Search, an initiative aimed at improving
football talent in Kenya. Kioko and Kin­
yanjui were selected from a team of 16
footballers from across the country who
had come to Nairobi for a four­day elite
training camp courtesy of Betway.
Those involved in the selection pro­
and coaches.
The two beneficiaries of the initiative
cess were Mathare United coach Francis
are Mark Kioko, a 20­year­old from Githu­
rai, Nairobi and Moses Kinyanjui, 21, from
representative from the Betting and Licens­
ing Board. Kioko, a goal keeper, was laud­
ed for his exceptional skill at the goal post
Shanzu, Mombasa. The announcement
Kimanzi, West Ham United coaches and a
while Kinyanjui, an attacking midfielder,
was noted for his precision and playmak­
ing skills. Both upcoming stars expressed
optimism that the trip to the UK will be a
game changer for their careers.
"I had initially lacked fare to come to
Nairobi for the camp, but fortunately, I got
it at the last minute through the generous
sacrifice of my parents. I dedicate this to
them," said Kinyanjui who hopes to ad­
vance his career on the world stage. Kioko
meanwhile, credited discipline and hard
work and hopes to hone his skills further
and become a professional footballer.
Ipsos Kenya ­ Acorn House,97 James Gichuru Road ­ Lavington ­ Nairobi ­ Kenya