In a riveting showcase of youth talent, Kisumu’s Obunga FC and Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls, emerged as the champions of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba season four national finals.
The matches, held at the Jomo Kenyatta, Mamboleo stadium in Kisumu County, saw fervent support from fans who filled the stands to capacity.
Obunga FC claimed victory in the boys' category after a thrilling encounter against Uasin Gishu's PASC Langa.
The match, which ended 1-1 in regular time, culminated in a tense penalty shootout, with Obunga FC emerging victorious with a 4-2 scoreline.
The winning goal came from an own goal by PASC Langa's Dennis Okono in the 6th minute, followed by a dramatic equalizer by Alex Kamadi for PASC Langa.
Read More
Despite facing adversity, Obunga FC's goalkeeper, Williams Odek, redeemed himself with two crucial penalty saves, securing the national title and the coveted one million shilling prize.
Reflecting on the triumph, Evans Oketch, head coach of Obunga FC, expressed gratitude for the team's success, acknowledging the intense competition and the unwavering support from fans.
He credited the tournament organizers, Safaricom, for providing a platform to showcase talent and nurture young players.
In the girls’ category, Plateau Queens showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Barcelona Ladies SC from Laikipia County.
Goals from Emily Moranga, Swaum Masungo, and Maureen Atieno secured the national championship crown for Plateau Queens for the second time, reinforcing their status as formidable contenders in Kenyan youth football.
Chrispine Odindo, head coach of Plateau Queens, commended his team for their achievement, emphasizing the significance of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament in nurturing young talent across the country.
He expressed gratitude to Safaricom, fans, and players for their collective efforts in clinching the title.
Both Obunga FC and Plateau Queens earned one million shillings in cash and TVET scholarships for each player, while the runners-up, PASC Langa FC and Barcelona Ladies SC, received five hundred thousand shillings each.
Additionally, the semifinalists were awarded two hundred and fifty thousand shillings each.
In a gesture of support for the players' development, all participants received Neon Smartphones, the first locally assembled 4G smartphone in Kenya.
Furthermore, outstanding players, including the Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player (boys and girls), were awarded Sh50,000 each.
Looking ahead, the All-Star team, comprising the Most Valuable Players (MVPs), is set to embark on a two-week football boot camp and training in Spain, marking the culmination of an exhilarating season of youth football in Kenya.