Makadara Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) George Aladwa has pledged to support Maringo Estate football clubs, Young Rovers FC and Maringo United, with Sh20,000 each for every remaining Football Kenya Federation (FKF) league fixture.
Speaking during the announcement on Friday at St. Patrick's Grounds in Maringo/Hamza Ward, Aladwa said the financial support is aimed at helping self-sustaining sports clubs, with the main objective of promoting and nurturing grassroots talent.
"I will give you Sh20,000 for every league match you have left on the FKF fixture. I understand the economic challenges you face, but I will also provide ten footballs so that Young Rovers can play," Aladwa said, adding that he is open to a meeting with officials of the sixth-tier club, Young Rovers.
The MP also awarded the same stipend to Maringo United, who play in the FKF Nairobi East Regional League. The team is currently third on the 18-team table with 20 points after 11 games, just two points behind leaders and National Shield Cup surprise package BB Bread FC.
Young Rovers FC, on the other hand, play a tier below their neighbors in the FKF Nairobi East County League. After ten games, they are fourth on the 32-team table with 23 points, five points behind leaders Naivas Youth, who have played two more games.
"We really appreciate the gesture by our leader, Aladwa. Most of our challenges in developing grassroots football are financial, and this support has solved them, at least for now," Young Rovers FC General Manager Felix Ndolo told Radio Generation.
Maringo United’s next match is at home at St. Patrick's Grounds on Sunday, March 15, against Babadogo United, while Young Rovers travel for a crucial away game against lowly-placed Shofco Mukuru on the same day at 4 pm at Visions Grounds in Mukuru kwa Njenga informal settlement.
With the Makadara MP's financial support and pledges for the future, the two Maringo/Hamza Ward football clubs can now realistically dream of league promotion.