Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom tournament held its National Grand Finale on the 25th of March,2018 at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega. Kapenguria Heroes from West Pokot emerged victorious in the boys category after beating Gor Mahia Youth FC 3-0. While Plateau Queens from Nyanza won 4-3 against Tar Tar girls from West Pokot in the girls category.
Alvin Mangeni of Mukumu Boys tackles the ball past Bakari Kishombo of Shimba Hills during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba National Finals at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega. Mukumu Boys qualified for the semifinals after scoring Shimba Hills 3-1.
The competition was stiff for both the boys and girls category. Plateau Queens won their rival team Tar Tar girls in a post-match penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Similarly, Kapenguria Heroes and Gor Mahia Youth FC went into a post-match penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the regulation match time.
The two winning teams each bagged the coveted prize of Ksh. 1 million and a trip to London for a one-week training camp and mentorship program in April. While in London, they will get a chance to interact with the tournament’s Brand Ambassador Victor Wanyama, who is a fierce midfielder for English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. An experience which the young stars are truly looking forward to.
“Even as we come to the close of the first season of Chapa Dimba, we do not intend to stop here. Owing to the success of the first season, I’m happy to officially announce that we will soon be launching the second chapter of Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom later this year. We look forward to working once again with our reliable partners FKF on the second season.”
Joe Ogutu, Head of Strategy and Innovation- Safaricom.
The tournament was launched in June 2017 with the aim of promoting grassroot football and propelling gifted players into the national teams. So far, some of the tournament’s top players such as David Majak, Fredrick Krop, Hassan Iddi and Ahmed Subri have been signed up for Kenya Premier League teams. Additionally, players including James Omsinde, Alpha Chris, John Njuguna, and Yusuf Mainge are among some 13 players who have also earned call-ups to the national under 20 team.
TOURNAMENT AWARDS
MVP
· Beryl Eshitiku – Plateau Queens (Girls)
· David Majak – Kapenguria Heroes (Boys)
Top Scorer
Boys
· Ben Ogot –Gor Mahia Youth FC
Girls
· Mercy Akinyi- Plateau Queens
Best Keeper
Boys
· Brian Lumumba-Kapenguria Heroes
Girls
· Judith Osimbo – Plateau Queens