Austine Mmbogo Cheza Dimba's Star Says - Kama Si Ngumu Hataki
Eish, what a weekend, my fren! I’m still buzzing from February 15, 2025, when Dandora Stadium turned into a full-on football madhouse for the Tujiamini Festival, powered by SportPesa. Tujiamini isn’t just a title—it’s a call to Kujiamini, a reminder to believe in ourselves, no matter how rough the grind.
I caught “No Fear,” that blazing hot matatu cruising through Dandora, and jumped off straight into HipHop City. The vibes were insane—with shangwe na nderemo-everywhere! SportPesa did not hold back; fans were treated to a mega show with energy in every corner of the stadium.
Now, let me tell you about Captain Austine E Mmbogo, aka “No Fear” himself—Kwale United’s number 10, and the man who became the hero of the day. Austine’s story is straight-up Kenyan: his dad, Milton Mmbogo, who doubles as the team manager, was a football player, and little Austine grew up watching him play.
“Nilianza na Kwale United, cheko za kidogo,” he says with pride, recalling his days playing for under-13s, then at Vihiga High and even for Vihiga U20 during holidays.
His journey took him to Meru University with team Dunga, where he got that competitive exposure, and now he’s back home, steering the ship as captain.
Nothing comes easy, as the teams were warming up, Austine stepped aside and got busy perfecting his free kicks. It paid off in the game. “Nilikuwa nikijaribu freekicks, niliangalia crossbar, Kisha coach akasema ‘Just lower it a bit’—na boom, the kick went in.” I swear, that moment was pure magic, like the universe itself whispering, “This is it!”
And then, as the final match unfolded, that very free kick clinched the winning goal, sealing his man-of-the-match status and etching his name in Tujiamini history.
Kwale United’s run was nothing short of legendary. They stormed through the regional rounds representing the Coast Region, demolishing teams from Mombasa—winning all four games without a single goal against them. Their mantra? “Kama sio ngumu, hatutaki.” Even when midfielders slipped here and there, their defence stepped up, turning every challenge into an opportunity.
And just when you thought the drama couldn’t get juicier, playing on artificial turf was a whole different ball game—players were sliding like mad, and the sun was so blazing, I swear Austine’s feet were burning in his shoes!
As the match ended, Austine’s eyes shone with humble ambition. “Mungu ni mkubwa, na ana mipango mikubwa kwangu,” he declared. He dreams of playing in the top flight one day, and honestly, with talent and determination like his, his journey is just beginning.
And the fans? Walikuwa mbogi! They travelled from Kwale to Nairobi, filling the stadium with shouts, chants, and an energy that made it clear—they were the real 12th man on the field. “Asante sana for coming out today,” Austine said, giving mad props to those who cheered louder than anyone.
According to the team manager, a contingent of 50 traveled with the team and it would have been more had the county offered more buses. It wasn't all bad though as Nairobi-based Kwale fans also showed up.
Showcasing just how strong a community is behind the team, one Nairobi fan said, “Tumetoka mbali na hii team, si ati tumeanzae kuibuild juzi”.
Kwale United celebrates with their fans.
When a talent like Austine leads a team that inajiamini, that’s why kama si ngumu hawataki.
In the end, it was a beautiful Sunday with warm weather heating the already warm event. With a 1-0 result for the final, it shows that the challengers were also worthy. Eldoret FC had 6 of their players in Tisini’s Team of the final.
The Tujiamini Experience
I had heard plenty of stories about how Tujiamini turns small-town teams into national heroes, and I had to see it with my own eyes. It's actually where belief, talent, and community spirit turn a football tournament into a movement.
The stadium was jam-packed with 11 teams from every corner of Kenya—9 men’s and 2 women’s squads, all hungry for glory and a shot at the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba National Championship.
In the men’s category, the festival featured teams include—Galacticos (Central), Ikuu Spiders (Eastern & North Eastern), Eldoret FC (North Rift), Mathare North United (Nairobi), Kisumu City Stars (Nyanza), Cheptalal (South Rift), Kwale United (Coast), Mega Stars (Nairobi), and Rockstars (Western).
Uhola Queens from Nyanza clashed with Green Blades Spass from Western in a game contesting the female category title.
Tujiamini Festival, powered by SportPesa, is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement. It provides over Ksh. 30,000,000 worth of sporting goodies to elevate grassroots football and turn big dreams into reality.
In 2025, with SportPesa pumping in an extra 40 million to up the campaign to 70 million
As I walked out of Dandora that day, my heart full and my mind buzzing with hope, I knew one thing for sure: when we Unajiamini, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. Mambo ni ital, my fren—can't wait to see what Tujiamini 2025 has in store!
