Rising Kenyan football sensation Aldrine Kibet used his festive holiday visit to Kenya to highlight the importance of grassroots tournaments in shaping young talent and empowering youth through sport.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who plays for Spanish side Celta Vigo, was among the notable figures present at the DIG Masengeli Super Cup final held in Saboti, Trans-Nzoia County. The event drew a large crowd, bringing together football fans, community leaders, and national government officials.
Speaking through a social media post shared on Sunday, Kibet praised the tournament as a critical platform for identifying and nurturing upcoming footballers at the community level.
He noted that such competitions help instill discipline, teamwork, and confidence among young people while offering them positive alternatives through sport.
“I attended the DIG Masengeli Super Cup final in Saboti—an inspiring platform that nurtures talent, promotes teamwork, and empowers our youth through sports,” Kibet wrote, describing the experience as memorable and impactful.
The final was also attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Trans-Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, and Saboti MP Thomas Kiptoo Kwalia, underlining the event’s growing significance in the region’s sports calendar.
Kibet’s appearance at the tournament comes as his professional career in Europe continues to attract attention back home. In July 2025, the former St Anthony’s Boys High School student completed a move to La Liga outfit Celta Vigo on a four-year deal running until 2029.
He joined the Spanish club on a free transfer and initially linked up with their reserve side, Celta Fortuna.
Since making the move, Kibet has remained one of Kenya’s most closely watched young football exports. His progress has sparked enthusiasm among Kenyan fans, many of whom regularly follow his performances and push for his promotion to the senior team.
The midfielder has delivered promising displays in Spain, making his professional debut in August 2025 and scoring three goals in two matches later in the year, including a notable brace against Real Oviedo’s Under-19 side in November.
His consistent form earned him an opportunity to train with Celta Vigo’s senior squad in early December ahead of a high-profile league fixture against Real Madrid—another milestone in his rapid development.
On the international stage, Kibet achieved a major breakthrough in November after receiving his first senior call-up to the Harambee Stars.
He made his debut against Equatorial Guinea, capping a remarkable year that saw him rise from school football to professional and international levels.
Despite his growing reputation abroad, Kibet continues to maintain strong ties with football development at home.
His presence at the DIG Masengeli Super Cup underscored his support for grassroots initiatives that provide exposure and hope to young Kenyan footballers dreaming of professional careers.