The Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom youth tournament, the first ever edition, comes to a conclusion this week in Kakamega County where some quarterfinal matches and the national finals will be hosted. The opening ceremony will be held on Thursday at Bukhungu Stadium. “We started the tournament with over 1,600 teams back in September and we are looking forward to seeing the best 15 sides in action this week in Kakamega”, said Sylvia Mulinge, Director Consumer Business, Safaricom.
Boys’ Quarterfinals
In the boys’ quarterfinals, Mukumu Boys from Western will face Shimba Hills from Coast while Al Hayat from North Eastern take on Nairobi champions Gor Mahia Youth.
In the other quarterfinal games, Ombek Red Devils from Nyanza will play Euronuts from Central and Mwingi Junior from Eastern will face Rift valley’s Kapenguria Heroes.
Thirteen players from the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom tournament have been called up to the national under 20 team while another 6 have been snatched up by various Kenya Premier League clubs. “Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom has given an opportunity for us to discover young talented players, especially from the grassroots. The likes of James Ominde and John Njuguna have earned call-ups to the national under 20 team while gifted players such as David Majak, Fredrick Krop and Oscar Kengwa have been signed up by Kenya Premier League teams”, said Nick Mwendwa, FKF President.
Girls’ quarterfinals
In the girls’ category, Waa Girls from Coast will play Tar Tar from Rift as Beijing Raiders from Nairobi face Arch Bishop Njenga from Western.
Plateau Queens from Nyanza and Ngakaa Talent Academy from Eastern will also battle for a place in the last four. Limuru Starlets from Central got a bye to the semis as there was no girls’ team from North Eastern.
Prizes to be won
The semifinalists will pocket KSh 250,000 each, while the finalists will receive KSh 500,000. The overall winners in each category will receive KSh 1 Million, as well as a trip to London for a one-week training camp.
While in London they will meet the tournament’s Brand Ambassador Victor Wanyama, who plays for English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
