A delegation of international football figures on Monday toured Vihiga and met Vihiga Governor Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo following the signing of a landmark partnership with Madira Soccer Assassins, a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women Premier League side in the county.

The visiting team included CEO of Football for Life and former Manchester City player David Clarke, head of new Hera International and former Barcelona youth coach Marti Torres and former Canadian international and Olympic bronze medallist Laureen Sausselmen.

The delegation is on a three-day official tour of Vihiga to explore avenues for bolstering women’s football development in the region.

Speaking at the county headquarters, Governor Ottichilo congratulated Madira Soccer Assassins on their recent success in the 2024/2025 Women National Super League and praised the club’s successful kit launch and resource mobilisation event held in Nairobi on July 12.

“This partnership is a bold step towards transforming Vihiga into a hub of talent and opportunity in women’s football. We are committed to supporting such initiatives that not only empower our youth but also position our county as a national and international sporting destination,” said Ottichilo.

He urged the club’s management to work closely with the county sports department to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for sustainable success. He further announced plans to enhance sports infrastructure across the county, including upgrading training grounds and expanding talent development programmes – particularly those focused on empowering girls and women in sports.

The governor also underscored the need to commercialise the local sports sector, encouraging other clubs to emulate Madira Soccer Assassins in seeking impactful partnerships and innovative funding models.

To formalise the collaboration, Ottichilo directed the Department of Sports to begin drafting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the visiting organisations to outline a shared vision and framework for long-term cooperation.

Also present during the meeting were Acting Chief Officer for Youth and Sports Dominic Luvavo, Director Bongo Ngoseywi, and Assistant Director for Sports Greg Jevunya.

Among the distinguished guests was Aron Striger from Netflix, Madira Soccer Assassins Director Alex Alumira and the team’s Chairman Dr Fredrick Mavisi, who also serves as MCA for Lugaga Wamuluma Ward.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Welter Tiema.