The atmosphere at Kulp Theological Seminary (KTS), Kwarhi, was electrifying on Thursday, February 6, 2025, as the school’s sports department, in collaboration with the KTS Student Union Body, organized a friendly football match to warmly welcome the new provost, Rev. Prof. Dauda Andrawus Gava.
The match, which took place at the KTS football field, featured the KTS student football team going head-to-head with the Mbalwaha team in what turned out to be an exciting and energetic game.
The crowd was massive, with students, staff, and members of the Kwarhi community filling the field to cheer on the players. The event also drew in prominent dignitaries, including Rev. Prof. Dauda Andrawus Gavva, KTS Provost, Rev. Lalai Bukar, EYN Secretary to the Ministers’ Council, Rev. Daniel I. Yumuna, EYN Director of Education, Mrs. Mary Ayuba Buggi, EYN Deputy Director of Education, and many others from within the environment.
Before the match began, KTS Sports Master, Pastor Arahyel Luka, led Prof. Gava and his entourage onto the field, where they met with the eager players lined up and ready to battle it out. The provost gave some words of encouragement, urging them to play carefully and avoid injuries, while Rev. Daniel I. Yumuna, the EYN Director of Education, reminded everyone that this wasn’t just a game—it was a celebration of unity and a warm welcome to all new KTS staff.
With a powerful opening prayer by Rev. Isa Yunusa, KTS Exams Officer, the crowd was set, the players were pumped, and the Provost himself kicked the first ball at the sound of the whistle, officially launching the match!
From the first whistle, both teams played with passion and determination, making it an engaging match for the audience. The first 20 minutes saw some solid attempts, but no goals were scored, keeping everyone at the edge of their seats. By halftime, the scoreboard still read 0-0, setting the stage for an intense second half.
But things took a dramatic turn after halftime! Mbalwaha struck first, netting a goal that sent their fans into a frenzy. This goal seemed to ignite their confidence, and despite KTS’s valiant efforts to equalize, Mbalwaha extended their lead with a second goal. Just when KTS was pushing hard for a comeback, Mbalwaha sealed the deal with a third goal in the last five minutes of the game. The final whistle blew, confirming Mbalwaha’s victory with a 3-0 scoreline.
Despite the loss, KTS displayed resilience and sportsmanship, and even with some controversial refereeing decisions—one of which left Mbalwaha’s coach fuming—the match ended in high spirits and mutual respect.
After the match, Prof. Gava expressed his gratitude, saying, “Just to appreciate the organizers of the match. I felt elated by this. It was so exciting and memorable.”
He also took a moment to encourage the KTS team to train harder and develop their skills for future matches. Rev. Yumuna, in his closing remarks, highlighted the joy and unity the match brought to the community:
“We have enjoyed the match, we have also enjoyed the unity; it was a good evening for us to enjoy life together.”
To wrap up the evening, Dr. Mrs. Kanadi Gava, the KTS Registrar, gave a heartfelt “Thank you” to Mbalwaha for their skillful play before leading the closing prayer.
It was a pleasant moment of sports, unity, and celebration, setting a vibrant tone for the tenure of Prof. Gava at KTS. If this match is any indication of what’s to come, then KTS is in for an exciting new chapter!
It was a fun evening.
This is wonderful match to welcome kts provost, Prof Dauda A Gavva