The 2016 Airtel Rising Stars West Nile and Northern Regional finals were co-currently played in Arua over the weekend.
Arua District Boys’ team and Paidha Black Angels Academy won the male and female U-17 categories for West Nile region respectively.
In the Northern Regional finals, two Lira District teams Destiny Sports Academy (Boys) and Bright Light Girls won the event.
There were over 14 teams that took part in the three day event that was played at four playing grounds – Arua Hill, Arua Police, Arua Primary and Barifa Playing ground.
In a well contested final for the boys, Taban Clement scored the winning goal for Arua District team against Yumbe Heroes. The final score of the game was 1-o.
Another Yumbe team, Yumbe District Girls was humbled by Paidha Black Angels 2-0 in the girls’ affair. Nura Zainab and Immaculate Akutu scored for the Paidha based team from Zombo district.
Airtel Uganda’s Brand and Assets Manager, Musa Muyanja who presided over the official prize giving ceremony echoed the telecommunications company goal towards tapping, developing talents from the grass-roots.
“For the last six years, Airtel Uganda through the Airtel Rising Stars U-17 boys and girls football programme has remained focused to the goal of developing talents. We are committed to carrying on this programme for years,” he said.
Arua District R.D.C, Mr. Peter Debele who was the chief guest lauded Airtel Uganda for the great initiative of the Airtel Rising Stars.
He advised the youngsters to front discipline above anything else for chances of prosperity in their respective careers.
Allan Okello was named MVP for the boys (Northern Region) as Brian Sharif of Yumbe took that of the West Nile Region.
Dorren Ejang was MVP for girls in the Northern Region and Dorah Arongang was named MVP from West Nile Region.
The winners of these regions walked away with trophies, certificates, balls, kits and acash prize of UGX 1,000,000 each. The first runners up also took home trophies, certificates, and a cash prize of UGX 500,000 each.
The soccer talent search program will end in a fashionable football camp for select top talents who will emerge from the respective regions and will be mentored by professional football coaches and players.