Featured Image: Harambee Stars prior to playing Sudan on Jamhuri Day. Image courtesy of Dennis Ollando

Abaluhya FC (now known as AFC Leopards), won the league title for the very first time in 1966. Two years earlier, Abaluhya had been formed from the amalgamation of several teams some of which were competing in the top tier league. Teams that merged to form Abaluhya FC were Samia Union, Bukusu Brotherhood, Bunyore, Kakamega and Bunyatso.

In 1966, Abaluhya fielded a star studded side that included Joe Kadenge who had arrived from Maragoli FC, Livingstone Madegwa who was signed from Feisal, Charles Makunda, Jonathan Niva, Anthony Mukabwa, John Nyawanga and Daniel Anyanzwa, all of whom had played for the national team or would be selected in subsequent years.

Final Standings

Luo Union FC who had won the league in 1964, finished a close second and won the FA cup in 1964 and 1965 was hit hard by the rivalry between Oginga Odinga and Tom Mboya. This rivalry resulted in the formation of a new team called Luo Sports Club that was backed by Mboya. Some key Luo Union players left to join Luo Sports club, thus weakening the side.

Feisal FC who had won the league in 1965 were affected by the surprise departure of winger Ali Sungura, who had played a key role in their triumph in 1965. Sungura left to join Liverpool FC of Mombasa, later known as Mwenge. Another key departure for Feisal was Livingstone Madegwa who left to join Abaluhya FC.

FA  Cup

Luo Union retained the FA cup, beating Liverpool of Mombasa 4-2 in the final. According to RSSF Luo Union goals were scored by William Ouma “Chege”, Daniel Nicodemus, Walter Molo and John Rabuogi. Liverpool goals were both scored by Antonio Mascarenhas, popularly known “Tony Masky”.

Born in Goa in 1943, Tony Masky migrated to Kenya in the mid 1940s with his family. He excelled in football, cricket and hockey.