Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens have won the boys’ and girls’ titles respectively at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza regional finals in Kisumu.
Awendo, from Migori County, beat Siaya-based Indomitable Soldiers 4-0 in the boys’ final at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo to claim their first regional title.
Kevin Mukaramoja scored a hat-trick, including two goals in the first half, as Awendo produced a dominant display.
Mukaramoja opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a free-kick before doubling the lead five minutes later.
Rayce Ochieng made it 3-0 in the 77th minute, while Mukaramoja completed his hat-trick shortly before the final whistle.
Awendo coach Dennis Otondi said the victory was particularly significant after the team lost last season’s regional final to Obunga FC.
“Last season, we lost to Obunga in the final, but today we are happy to take this regional trophy to Migori for the first time,” Otondi said.
He added that the team would now turn its attention to the national finals, with the aim of winning the national title.
Plateau Queens retain titleIn the girls’ final, Plateau Queens of Kisumu County defeated Homa Bay-based Hedso Queens 4-0 to retain the regional title for a third consecutive year.
Beryl Awuor, Emily Adhiambo, Joan Agola and Velma Auma scored for Plateau Queens, who are also the defending national champions.
Coach Chrispine Odindo said the team had worked hard to maintain its dominance in the region.
“It has not been easy, but we have managed. Our opponents today were a good team, but we stuck to our game plan,” he said.
Plateau Queens will now seek to defend their national title when the national finals are held early next year.
Champions rewarded
The two regional champions each received Sh250,000, while the runners-up received Sh150,000 apiece. Individual award winners received Sh30,000 each.
Valarie Achieng of Plateau Queens and Chris Georgian of Awendo Football Academy were named the best goalkeepers, while Emily Adhiambo and Kevin Mukaramoja won the top-scorer awards in the girls’ and boys’ competitions respectively.
Imelda Akinyi of Plateau Queens and Alex Ouma of Indomitable Soldiers were named the most valuable players.
The two MVPs also received fully funded tertiary education scholarships under Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future programme.
The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation and a monthly upkeep allowance at a public tertiary institution in Kenya.
The tournament also offers players a route to international competition.
Outstanding performers will. be considered for the Chapa Dimba All-Stars team, which will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, one of the world’s biggest youth football tournaments.
The exposure is expected to give the players an opportunity to compete against young footballers from around the world and attract the attention of scouts from academies and professional clubs.
Safaricom chief consumer business officer Fawzia Ali said the tournament continued to provide young players with opportunities to develop their careers.
“We have witnessed amazing talent here in Kisumu, and I would say the future of Kenyan football is bright,” she said.
Road to the national finals
Awendo reached the boys’ final after beating Kendu Muslim 1-0, while Indomitable Soldiers defeated defending champions Obunga FC by the same score.
In the girls’ competition, Plateau Queens reached the final with an 8-0 win over Masosa Starlets.
Hedso Queens beat Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0.Awendo and Plateau Queens join Central Region winners St Joseph Starlets and LYSA, and Western Region winners Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive, in securing places at the national finals.
The Nyanza finals also featured an exhibition match between Equator Boys of Maseno School and City Boys of Kisumu Boys High School. City Boys won 2-1.
The competition now moves to the Eastern Region, with the regional finals scheduled to take place in Embu.
Chapa Dimba is a youth football competition for players aged 14 to 17, providing a platform for young footballers to compete, develop their skills and pursue opportunities in football and education.
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