Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom National Finals Kick Off
22nd March 2018 saw the first day of the National Finals of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Youth Tournament kick off with quarterfinal games played at the historic Bukhungu Stadium and Kakamega High School Grounds in Kakamega County.
The girls’ quarterfinals saw Tar Tar from Rift score 3:2 against Waa Girls from Coast. Arch Bishop Njenga from Western won 7:1 against Beijing Raiders from Nairobi while Plateau Queens from Nyanza scored 7:1 against Ngakaa Talent Academy from Eastern. Limuru Starlets from Central got a bye to the semis, as there was no girls’ team from North Eastern.
Tar Tar will now face Arch Bishop Njenga while Plateau Queens face Limuru Starlets in the Semis to be played on the 23rd.
“We’ve had a good victory today. The matches were tough but the girls were physically fit and focused. We never underestimated our opponent and that has always been our secret to success. We will up our game for better results tomorrow and look forward to winning semis,” said George Omondi, Coach Plateau Queens.
Tar Tar Girls player Elizabeth Nafula sprints with the ball past Waa Girls Player Halima Dama during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba National Finals at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega. Tar Tar qualified for the semifinals after scoring Waa Girls 3-2.
In the boys’ quarterfinals, Mukumu Boys from Western won 3:1 against Shimba Hills from Coast as Gor Mahia Youth from Nairobi beat Al Hayat from North Eastern 4:0. Kapenguria Heroes from West Pokot scored 4:1 against Mwingi Junior from Eastern while Ombek Red Devils scored 5:4 in a post penalty shootout against Euronuts from Central after a 3:3 draw in regulation time.
Mukumu Boys will face Gor Mahia Youth FC as Kapenguria Heroes play against Ombek Red Devils in the semis set for the 24th.
“Our win today is as a result hard work and team spirit. The game tomorrow will not be easy at all but we look forward for good results. Our focus is to win the finals and be the champions,” said Fredrick Krop, striker – Kapenguria Heroes Boys.
The winners of the quarterfinals pocketed a KES 250,000 cash reward each. The overall winners in each category will receive KES 1 Million, as well as a trip to London for a one week training camp and a chance to interact with the tournament’s Brand Ambassador Victor Wanyama, midfielder for English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
