A football uprising is quietly unfolding in Igembe, Meru County. Ikuu Spiders, once a humble village side with barely enough kits to play, are now serious FKF County League contenders — and it’s all thanks to the transformative power of the Tujiamini initiative by SportPesa.
The rise of the Ikuu Spiders is a living testament to how belief, support, and structured funding can turn passion into progress. After securing KSh 250,000 in sponsorship through the 2024 Tujiamini Cheza Dimba grassroots talent program, the team has rocketed to third place in the FKF Meru County League, with promotion dreams well within reach.
“Our boys used to play without any structure—just for fun in the village. Since receiving the Tujiamini support, everything changed,” said Raymond Kababa, the team manager. “We now compete professionally and have a real shot at climbing the league system.”
The story of Ikuu Spiders is more than football—it’s about community transformation, youth empowerment, and what happens when potential meets opportunity. With their sights set on reaching the Kenya Premier League, team captain Ken Mureithi credits the Tujiamini sponsorship with boosting not just performance, but pride.
“Tujiamini made us believe in ourselves. Our juniors now look up to us. Travel, kits, allowances—it’s all covered. We can now focus on playing and winning,” Mureithi shared.
The Tujiamini initiative by SportPesa is one of the most impactful grassroots programs in Kenyan sports today. With a KSh 30 million annual funding pool, the program backs talented youth, clubs, creatives, and entrepreneurs across the country—turning overlooked dreams into national stories.
“This is what Tujiamini is all about—unlocking local talent and proving that belief can change lives,” said Debra Maina, Public Relations and Advertising Executive at SportPesa. “We’re proud of what Ikuu Spiders have achieved.”
The program is currently focusing on Kenya’s Eastern and North Eastern regions, with applications for funding still open. If you're a rising athlete, a community-based team, or a creative changemaker, you can apply for sponsorship before the month ends at www.tujiamini.co.ke.