It was a proud moment for Kenyan football as Nairobi United FC—famously known as the Naibois—were hosted at State House Nairobi by President William Ruto following their unprecedented victory in the FKF Mozzart Bet Cup and promotion to the FKF Premier League.
The underdog team, once overlooked and underestimated, now finds itself in the national spotlight after stunning Gor Mahia in the FKF Cup final at Ulinzi Sports Complex and earning a place in top-flight football.
President Ruto congratulated the players and coaching staff, praising the team not just for their historic win, but for embodying the spirit of Kenya.
You make us very proud. I see a national team here—a team with the face, brand, and architecture of Kenya. From different communities, faiths, and backgrounds, you have gelled into one formidable unit. That’s how our nation should be. That’s why I’ll stand against the politics of ethnicity,” said President Ruto.
He emphasized self-belief and patriotism, lauding Nairobi United for proving that dreams can come true regardless of background or resources.
“Nobody imagined a small team with no big wins could lift this cup. But success doesn’t come easy—you deserve it,” Ruto added.
As part of his celebration package, President Ruto announced a KSh10 million donation to the team’s five investment groups and granted their request for a modern team bus.
The President also reiterated the government’s commitment to sports development, revealing that the KSh35 billion Jamhuri Sports Complex will be completed by December and that the Sports Fund will now focus exclusively on building sports infrastructure.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, whose foundation owns Nairobi United, took time to reflect on the team’s humble beginnings.
When I took over this team, most players didn’t believe in themselves. We’ve mentored them not just for the pitch, but for life,” he said.
Nairobi United players hosted at State House after FKF Cup victory
He singled out goalkeeper Earnest Mohamed, who was named tournament MVP after saving eight penalties—a rare feat for a goalkeeper.
Sakaja applauded the team’s grit and ambition, saying:
This club runs on a limited budget, but we beat teams with bigger bank accounts. In this country, it’s not about those with millions in their accounts, but those with millions of ideas in their hearts.”
He proposed renaming the FKF Cup to the “Ruto Golden Cup” and asked the government to allocate land for training facilities for Nairobi United, AFC Leopards, and Gor Mahia.
The governor also highlighted Nairobi County’s ongoing investment in sports infrastructure, including stadia in Woodley, Kihumbuini, City Stadium (Joe Kadenge), Mwiki, and Riruta.
This team restores hope to our youth. With discipline, diligence, and focus, you can achieve anything,” Sakaja said.
The Naibois’ journey from obscurity to glory has captured national attention, inspiring youth and sports fans across the country. Their triumph represents not just football success but a message of unity, resilience, and belief in a better future.
Today you are a family, you are a team, and together you have won. That’s why we are celebrating you. Pongezi,” concluded President Ruto.
With their Mozzart Bet Cup title and promotion to the FKF Premier League, Nairobi United are poised to continue writing history. Their story, once defined by doubt, is now a powerful symbol of what’s possible when vision meets opportunity.
