Varsity Cup CEO Martin Hakunavanhu (R) with the trophy to be won at the Varsity tournament/ HANDOUT

Eight universities are set to feature in the inaugural Varsity Cup, a new inter-university football competition aimed at giving student-athletes a clear pathway into the professional game.

University of Nairobi, Multimedia University, Technical University of Kenya, Cooperative University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Zetech University and African International University will feature in what the organisers said is 'a key scouting platform'.
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Varsity Cup CEO Martin Hakunavanhu said the competition is designed to go beyond matches and address long-standing gaps in player development.
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“This competition is not just a series of matches; it is a premier scouting platform,” he said.
He noted that, while Africa continues to produce talented players, many struggle to break through due to limited exposure.
“Africa is overflowing with talent, but too many young players are never seen. The ability is there, the passion is there—the exposure is not,” he said.
He added that the Varsity Cup will help bridge that gap by positioning universities as key development hubs.
“This is about creating a platform where talent doesn’t fade after high school. Universities become the stage where young Africans get the visibility they deserve,” he said.
The CEO revealed that the initiative will look to expand beyond Kenya, with ambitions of building a continent-wide competition in the future.
“I don’t just see a Kenyan Varsity Cup, I see an African Varsity Cup, with universities across the continent competing and student-athletes gaining global recognition,” he said.
University of Nairobi Corporate Affairs Director, John Orindi, said the tournament is structured to offer a direct pathway into professional football, both locally and internationally.
“We are creating a direct pathway for students to transition into professional football… and ensure our young players get the global exposure needed to reach the highest level,” he said.
He also pointed to growing efforts within universities to align sport with career development, noting the introduction of programmes in sports management, marketing and sports medicine.
At the same time, he challenged stakeholders to broaden the country’s sporting focus beyond athletics.
“Sports is big business, and as a country we have concentrated more on athletics and ignored other sports,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amref captain Vincent Kitavi believes they have what it takes to lift the trophy.

“We are very ready. Our target is to win all matches, sail into the final and ultimately be declared champions,” said Kitavi.

His Co-operative University counterpart, John Jomo, hopes to see Varsity Cup graduates compete on bigger platforms, including the Kenyan Premier League.