Safaricom, in its ongoing commitment to fostering young football talent, organized a players' and coaches' clinic at the Nakuru ASK Showground on Friday.

The clinic was exclusively held for the eight teams participating in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Rift Valley region final matches this weekend.

Beyond honing their skills on the pitch, the clinic offered an invaluable opportunity for players and coaches to develop essential life skills, social values, and financial management skills.

In addition, the event emphasized the importance of incorporating technology into sports.

Safaricom provided training on the use of their GPS Sports Vests, which are AI-powered devices designed to enhance player performance and improve scouting by collecting data and creating player profiles during matches, employing globally recognized metrics.

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Furthermore, the clinic served as a forum for clarifying the tournament's regulations and ushering teams into the regional final games.

This weekend, four boys' teams and four girls' teams will vie for the regional title, along with a substantial cash prize of Sh250,000, and the opportunity to represent the Rift Valley region in the national finals.

The participating teams in the boys' category are Laiser Hill Academy from Kajiado, Mwenge FC from Nakuru, Ndura Sports from Trans Nzoia, and PASC Langa from Uasin Gishu.

Lorubae FC Mike Kariithi runs with the ball past Mwege FC’s Joseph Ndungu during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Rift Region inter-county playoffs. PHOTO/COURTESY

The girls' category will feature Trinity Mission Girls from Nakuru, Ol Melil Girl’s Secondary from Narok, Itigo girls from Nandi, and Wiyeta Girls from Trans Nzoia County.

The opening match on Saturday will feature the home team, Trinity Mission Girls, facing off against Nandi's Itigo Girls. Subsequently, Ndura FC (Trans Nzoia) will battle PASC Langa (Uasin Gishu) in a boys’ semi-final.

The girls' division will showcase the talents of Daisy Moraa, the prolific striker leading Ol-Melil FC (Narok), as they take on the regional defending champions, Wiyeta Girls (Trans Nzoia).

The pinnacle of Saturday’s action will witness the reigning regional champions, Laiser Hill Academy (Kajiado), competing against the newly crowned Nakuru County Champions, Mwenge FC.

Laiser Hill secured their spot in the regional finals after a nail-biting match against Ololulunga FC from Narok, which they won 4-3 in a penalty shootout at Silbwet in Bomet.

Meanwhile, the host Mwenge FC had an easier qualification, defeating Lorubae FC from Samburu with a commanding 4-0 score.

Michael Panchol, Assistant captain of Mwenge FC, expressed his team's determination.

"Reaching the regional finals for the first time is a big achievement for us as a team," Panchol stated.

"We know Laiser Hill is a tough team, but we are determined to beat them, claim the regional title, and proceed to the nationals. This is our home ground; hence, I urge our fans to come out in large numbers and support us."

The winners of the semi-finals on Saturday will advance to the finals on Sunday, November 12th, where each victorious team (both boys and girls) will receive Sh250,000 and secure a spot to represent the Rift region at the national finals scheduled for early next year.

They will join Ebwali Boys and Brenda Girls from the Western region and Obunga FC and Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls, from Nyanza, who have already secured their places in the national finals.

The runners-up teams will not leave empty-handed, as they will each receive Sh150,000.

Additionally, outstanding players, including The Best Goalkeeper, the top scorer, and the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball), will be awarded Sh30,000 each.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba continues to fulfil its mission of nurturing young football talents, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and an opportunity to build a promising future in the world of football.