Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has taken up the role of patron of Meru’s high flying Tulivu FC, as the team eyes participation in the National Super League by 2030.
Tulivu FC, which is sponsored by Tulivu foundation, was established some seven years ago at Maraa in Imenti South, rising through the ranks from sub county leave to Division 2 league.
Last year, the football team emerged the second runners up in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) upper Eastern Conference league coming few points shy from climbing to Division 1 league.
Speaking during the unveiling of the football club patron at Alba Hotel on Saturday, Tulivu Foundation Managing Director Francis Mworia said they were keen on building a team capable of competing at the national level.
During the Gala dinner, Tulivu Gardens Limited, the producers of Tulivu drinking water, donated Sh3 million towards the operations of Tulivu FC in the upcoming Division 2 league season.
“We are delighted to announce CS Eric Muriithi Mugaa as the Patron of Tulivu Football Club, with our sights firmly set on a bigger future for the club. Our journey so far has brought the club to a point where its next phase of growth requires clear direction and deliberate action. The focus is on developing Tulivu FC into a stronger, more competitive team with a long-term vision for its place in Kenyan football,” Mr Mworia said.
In 2024, Tulivu Foundation, hired former Harambee Star Captain Musa Otieno, as the technical director setting pace for the establishment of Tulivu Football Academy in Meru.
“Talent development remains an important part of this journey. Tulivu Academy provides another dimension to the club’s football ambitions, with an emphasis on nurturing talent and creating opportunities for players to grow in the game. Developing football talent is an investment in the future and an important part of building a stronger football club,” he said.
Mr Mworia said the new patron is expected to steer the club to higher heights by mobilizing resources and more partners.
CS Mugaa, who played football in high school and at the university, joins the foundation as it seeks resources for a Bus and plans to establish a football academy in Nairobi.
Tulivu FC, whose homeground is at Mitunguu National Polytechnic, also intends to shift to Nkubu’s Shabaha stadium in the new season.
Mugaa welcomed his appointment pledging to rally support towards growth of talent and football in Meru.
“I am committed to ensuring Tulivu FC joins the National Super League before 2030. It will be my joy to see Meru footballers featuring in the national teams,” Mr Mugaa said.
FKF National Executive Committee Member Ken Rungu lauded Tulivu foundation for consistency in development of football in Meru County.
“The biggest challenge in Meru has been management of football clubs and lack of transport for players. I am glad that Tulivu FC has grown from the Subcounty league and is now in Division 2. They are now just two levels shy of the Premier League,” Rungu said.
Meru Sports Executive Elias Murega said the county was developing a sports policy address various issues derailing the sector.
He appealed on more corporates in Meru to sponsor football clubs to nurture local talent.
