PuraVida Sports

By PURA VIDA SPORTS AFRICA REPORTER

Pura Vida Sports Africa’s might in elite football will be tested at Meru’s Kinoru Stadium the first week of February when Kuta Collections FC – a squad of experienced free agents – comes up against Division One League side Al Azizia FC in the opening round of the 2026 FKF Mozzart Bet Cup.

Kuta Collections FC is supported by shirt sponsors Pura Vida Media Limited through its Pura Vida Sports Africa website brand (www.puravidasports.africa) and was drawn to play away in Meru in the Mozzart Bet’s opening Round of 64 fixtures at Thursday’s tournament draw held at Nairobi’s Glee Hotel.

The opening round’s fixtures will be played on the weekend of February 6 and 7.

Augustine Mtiang’a Kuta, who runs the Kuta Collections sports goods outlet, has partnered with Pura Vida Sports Africa to offer the blend of unattached players and young talents an opportunity to showcase their talent while maintaining match fitness.

“I have been working with the unattached players for several years now and I played for some of them and I thought it was a good idea to give them an opportunity to stay fit and remain in the market,” Kuta, who played for Premier League sides Nairobi City Stars and Posta Rangers, said after Thursday’s draw.

“I’m glad to have partnered with Pura Vida Sports Africa through its founder Elias Makori, a former Sports Managing Editor at the Nation Media Group with whom we also featured in the Cup competition in 2021 through Nation FC,” Kuta added.

After eliminating hosts Vihiga Sportiff 2-1 in the Round of 32 at the Mumboha Ground in 2021 in what was then known as the Betway Cup, Nation FC were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Bungoma Super Stars who won 3-0 at the Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.

At the time, Makori was Nation FC’s Team Manager while Kuta took up the Nation FC coaching job, leading the side to great performances that included victory in the Standard Chartered “Road to Anfield” corporate competition that saw Nation FC players travel to Liverpool FC on a Standard Chartered Bank sponsorship.

“After leading Nation Media Group and launching the Pura Vida Media Limited sports consultancy, I thought it wise to keep myself connected to football by getting into partnership with Kuta and his outfit, Kuta Collections, to afford the unattached players and upcoming stars alike an opportunity of playing top-flight football,” Makori said.

Kuta Collections held a training match with record Kenyan Premier League side Gor Mahia FC on Wednesday at the Nyayo National Stadium with Kuta acting as player-coach as the team tested some of its probables.

“We at Pura Vida Sports Africa and Kuta Collections are currently negotiating with a Europe-based sports consultancy with a view to signing a kitting deal soon,” Makori noted.

The Kuta Collections squad will be unveiled later next week ahead of the team’s travel to Meru.

“I have a great squad and the biggest problem I face is which player to drop. We shall certainly give Al Azizia a good run for their money,” Kuta assured.

Al Azizia Football Club is a Meru-based team currently playing in the FKF National Division One League. In their last outing in Mombasa last weekend, Al Azizia lost 0-2 to FC Bumbani.

“We’ve landed an exciting Round of 64 draw against Kuta Collections FC—a side largely composed of former KPL players and experienced free agents. This fixture presents a valuable opportunity to test ourselves against seasoned opposition and learn from a team with a wealth of top-level experience,” Al Azizia reacted on their socials after the draw, with their fans confident they will silence Kuta Collections.

“Hii Jina ikitajwa Al-Azizia Football Club  nywele they stands… go goo… hio Kuta tunabomoa (whenever the name Al Azizia Football Club is mentioned people get frightened… go, go, we shall destroy Kuta Collections),” a fan, Makena Ciethe, vowed on Facebook.

“Hao lazima watufeel (they will certainly feel us),” added another fan, Dawood Adam. 

At Thursday’s Mozzart Bet Cup draw, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Mozzart Bet Kenya Limited signed a new three-year sponsorship agreement worth Sh90 million, officially marking the launch of the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup.

The new deal will see Mozzart Bet invest Sh30 million per year into Kenya’s premier domestic knockout competition from 2026 to 2028, continuing its role as the tournament’s title sponsor and reinforcing its long-term commitment to Kenyan football.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, FKF President Hussein Mohammed said the renewed partnership would further strengthen the competition and benefit clubs across the country.

“This partnership is not just about sponsorship, it is about building a stronger, more competitive and more credible football ecosystem in Kenya. The Mozzart Bet Cup has become a truly national competition that gives every club a fair chance, and this investment guarantees better organisation, better visibility and real financial support for our teams,” said Mohammed.

The Mozzart Bet Cup has grown into one of the most anticipated competitions on the local football calendar and will feature 64 teams, comprising 15 clubs from the top League and 47 teams from the other tiers. 

Mozzart Bet Kenya Limited Director Rolex Sirma said the company’s decision to increase its investment reflected its confidence in the competition and in the leadership of the FKF.

“We have seen how this tournament changes lives, creates opportunities and produces unforgettable stories, and we are excited to be part of its next chapter,” said Sirma.

One of the highlights of the new sponsorship is the introduction of individual cash awards for outstanding performers, alongside an improved prize structure for participating teams, further boosting the tournament’s competitive appeal.
The launch event also featured the Round of 64 draw, officially setting the stage for the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup. 

The first round of matches will be played on 7 and 8 February, with the final scheduled for 17 June, 2026.

2026 Mozzart Bet Cup – Round of 64 Fixtures:
L15 vs Nairobi United;
Bumbani Stars vs Donholm Stars;
Denmak vs Magadi All Stars;
BB Bread vs AFC Leopards;
Rwafa vs Zetech University;
FC Dynamo vs Kibera Black Stars;
Gituru vs KSG Ogopa;
Kahawa Pride vs Murang’a Seal;
Githurai All Stars vs Bandari;
Mwea United vs Tusker FC;
Embakasi United vs Kenya Police;
Limuru vs 3K FC;
Pwani Oil vs Kariobangi Sharks;
KU Hard Nuts vs Razors;
Al Azizia vs KUTA Collections;
RAVSA vs BMC All Stars;
Chemogoch vs Posta Rangers
Gucha Youth vs RVNP;
Commons vs Shabana;
Solian City vs Oinopsos;
Zoo vs Bondeni;
Kipchimchim vs Plantech;
Compel vs KCB;
Turi vs Chebaiywa Lions;
Shalimar vs TBM Health;
Muhoroni Youth vs MOFA;
Naivasha SYFA vs Mfalme FC;
Naivasha Police vs Bidco United;
Dero vs Gor Mahia;
Kamel Park vs Ulinzi Stars;
Wisdom Soccer Academy vs Mara Sugar;
Amani Youth vs Kakamega Homeboyz.

(With additional reporting by FKF Communications)