Five players that took part in the recently concluded Safaricom Chapa Dimba Coast regional finals will join Bandari FC, which plays in the Kenya Premier League.
The include Bandari Youth’s left-back David Wanyama, wingers William Gitama and Khamis Nyale, midfielder Renson Wakalo and center back Baraka Rodgers.
From their metrics, the five were among the best performers not just for Bandari Youth FC (who were crowned winners in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Coast regional finals), they also shone against other players in the tournament’s regional championship.
Khamis Nyale was the top scorer in the tournament, scoring a hattrick in the finals match against The Young Gunners of Tana River. He was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the boys’ category. The left back, David Wanyama, on top of offering brilliant attacking options from the left flank, also helped Bandari Youth keep clean sheets in two consecutive matches.
“It gives me a lot of pleasure to see five of my players promoted to the senior team, Bandari FC. The five not only stood out as the best in my team but also from the entire teams that participated in the regional finals of the Chapa Dimba here in Mombasa. I believe that with their determination, focus, and hard work, they will go far. Thanks to Safaricom for committing to providing such a platform that allows players from the grassroots level to showcase their talents to the world.” Said Alex Shikanga, Head Coach Bandari Youth.
Elsewhere, Duncan Odhiambo Omalla, who was discovered during the Nyanza Region Safaricom Chapa Dimba, has also received a call up with ABM Football Academy in Mali. The 17-year-old was the Center Forward for Obunga FC (Chapa Dimba Nyanza Champs) and was named the Nyanza Region Chapa Dimba joint top scorer. He also made his debut in the national team, featuring in the Junior Stars that bagged silver in the 2023 CECAFA Under-18 football.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba has produced many talented players such as Benson Omala of Gor Mahia, currently a top scorer in the Kenya Premier League; David Majak of Tusker FC; Jentrix Shikangwa of Simba Queens in Tanzania, also a former player of Beijing Beikong FC in China, Atem Kato of USA, Timothy Ouma- Sweeden, Sylvia Makhungu -Austria, Caroline Rufa – Simba Queens, Cynthia Livondo – Vihiga Queens, Jane Njeri, and Judith Osimbo, among others.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba aims to provide a structured platform for scouts and coaches to tap into new talent and build feeder systems for the Kenyan football leagues across the country while also training a total of 250 coaches The tournament targets footballers aged between 16 and 20 years old.