Terem FC players celebrate after being crowned Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season Five Bungoma county champions at Bungoma High School Grounds on Sunday/HANDOUTVihiga Cranes, Terem FC and Musokoto Secondary School were crowned boys' champions during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western region county finals.
In the girls' competition, Busia's Chakol Queens successfully defended their title, while Blue Commandos and Elgon Queens emerged champions in Vihiga and Bungoma respectively to book their places in the regional finals.
The county champions secured qualification after a thrilling weekend of football that showcased emerging talent from Busia, Bungoma and Vihiga counties.
GirlsBusia's Chakol Queens retained their county title for the second consecutive year after edging Falcon Queens 1-0 in the final at Malaba Primary School.
Chakol Queens head coach Abraham Muleme attributed the victory to tactical discipline and adaptability.
"I am happy to have retained the title for the second consecutive time. As you know, it is not easy to retain a title, especially with the tough competition at the grassroots level," he said.
"The game was tough. We are used to playing the ball on the ground, while our opponents preferred aerial balls, which took us some time to adjust to."
"However, after studying their game, we decided to keep possession and capitalise on the opportunities we created to beat them," Muleme said.
In Vihiga county, newcomers Blue Commandos defeated Maroon Queens 2-0, with Victoria Nekesa scoring both goals to clinch the title.
Bungoma's Elgon Queens lifted the county crown after defeating St Augustine Girls' Lukhuna 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
BoysIn Busia County, Musokoto Secondary School from Nambale constituency stunned hosts Malaba Homeboyz 2-0 in the final at Malaba Primary School.
John Onyango gave the visitors an early lead with a fourth-minute strike before Sanchez Omondi sealed victory late in the match.
In Vihiga County, last year's regional champions Ebwali Boys' failed to defend their title after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Vihiga Cranes.
In Bungoma, Terem FC overcame Misikhu Friends School 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw to secure the county title and qualify for the regional finals.
Terem FC coach Evans Kimungui praised his players for keeping their composure under pressure.
"We came prepared for this game. After watching our opponents play in yesterday's playoffs, we knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park," he said.
"Although we had hoped to win in regular time, that didn't happen. However, I am happy my boys showed great composure during the penalty shootout and converted all our spot-kicks to win the title."
"We now embark on preparations for the regional finals, as we know it is going to be tough. My aim is to reach the national finals and have some of my players make the All-Star Team that will travel to Sweden for the Gothia Cup," Kimungui said.
Terem FC captain Owen Kiprop said winning the county title was a dream come true.
"It has always been my wish and prayer to participate in Chapa Dimba. Today, I am glad that I am not just participating but also showcasing my talent to the world through this well-organised platform," he said.
"I am happy with the win, and I want to assure our fans that as we head to the regional finals, we will not let them down."
The winners from Busia, Bungoma and Vihiga will be joined by the Kakamega county champions, whose finals are scheduled for August 8 and 9 at Bukhungu Stadium.
The winning boys' and girls' teams each received Sh75,000, while the runners-up earned Sh30,000.
Individual award winners received Sh10,000 each for Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player in every category.
The tournament's MVPs will also receive fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
