EMOF Super Eight Tournament launched as universities unite for new football era

The inaugural EMOF Super Eight inter-university tournament, under the Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma Foundation, was officially launched on Monday evening at a Nairobi hotel, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown among eight top universities this May.

Kenyatta University will host the competition, with KCA University, Strathmore University, St. Paul’s University, African International University, Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University, and Zetech University all set to battle for top honors.

The three-day football fiesta will run from May 30 to June 1, kicking off with a group stage format. The teams have been split into two pools: Group A features Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, Zetech University, and African International University, while Group B includes KCA University, St. Paul’s University, Kenya Methodist University, and Mount Kenya University.

According to Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, the tournament’s founder, the initiative aims to transform the university football landscape, which he believes has long underperformed despite its immense potential.

“This inaugural Inter-Universities Football Tournament is more than a competition—it is a statement. A statement that we are ready to build and reimagine the journey of a Kenyan footballer,” said the Raków Częstochowa defender, emphasizing the importance of integrating education and sport within football.

The former AIK and Gor Mahia star also called for collective effort in growing the game.

“We do not claim to have all the answers, but we are here to be part of the solution. Everywhere I have played, one lesson has remained constant—football does not grow through lone efforts. No federation, player, or organization succeeds alone. The great footballing nations we admire today were built through collaboration—through many hands, many hearts, and a shared vision,” Ouma added.

“To our partners and stakeholders—this is just the start. We welcome more of you to walk this journey with us, to invest, believe, and help shape the future of Kenyan football.”

Kenyan international Anthony Akumu graced the launch, underscoring the importance of universities partnering with Ouma’s foundation.

“It is an exciting move that I believe will go a long way in exposing fine football talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. Congratulations to Marcelo for this,” said the Harambee Stars midfielder.

Former AFC Leopards player and South Sudan international Saad Musa echoed similar sentiments, praising Ouma’s vision.

“Kenyan universities can be havens for football talent, just as they have been for disciplines like basketball and rugby. I’m happy for Marcelo—he is addressing the gap we see in university-level football,” Musa noted.

KCA University’s Head of Sports and Campus Recreation, Mike Kisaghi, also welcomed the initiative.

“Participating in this tournament is a great idea. It is just a starting point, and you never know what may come out of it. By next year, we could have more than 20 teams competing. Universities have embraced this fully, and we will ensure its success. I only urge that there be no unnecessary external interference,” Kisaghi said.

The winner of the EMOF Super Cup will take home KSh 100,000, while the runners-up will receive KSh 50,000.