Lugari Progressive battle Red Commandos during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5 Kakamega County final at Approved School in Kakamega/ HANDOUT
Lugari Progressive coach Fred Serenge has set his sights on Western Regional glory after guiding the side to an unprecedented fifth consecutive Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega county title.
Serenge’s side, also known as Archbishop Njenga Girls', edged long-time rivals Butere Girls' Red Commandos 3-0 on penalties after their final ended goalless in regulation time on Sunday at the Approved School Grounds in Kakamega.
The coach now wants his players to turn their county dominance into regional success when they face the best teams from Western Kenya at the finals on Saturday and Sunday at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kanduyi, Bungoma.
“After today, our focus now shifts to the regional finals coming up in a week’s time, and there we hope to make Kakamega proud,” said Serenge.
Serenge admitted Red Commandos pushed his team to the limit, with the rivals coming closest to breaking the deadlock when their effort struck the crossbar late in the match.
The game was eventually decided from the spot, where Lugari held their nerve. Goalkeeper Shamsi Pachanga saved two penalties while another Red Commandos effort went wide.
“Retaining the county title for the fifth time in a row is not easy. Butere Girls were really tough, and I will personally admit they gave us a run for our money,” said Serenge.
“It is a good team, and this is not the first time we are meeting in the finals, but I thank God we managed to win. Going to penalties is something I did not expect, but I always trust my goalkeeper, and she made us proud by saving two penalties.”
Lugari will now represent Kakamega alongside Green Buffaloes of Khwisero, who were crowned the new boys’ county champions after beating Holy Cross Injira Senior School 2-1.
Green Buffaloes claimed their maiden county title after goals from Moses Muruka and an own goal by Augustine Khakali put them 2-0 ahead before Ransley Nasiali pulled one back for Holy Cross.
Coach Ian Omukuba believes his side can go all the way at the regionals.
“We are going for the win and will make sure Kakamega County takes the regional trophy,” said Omukuba.
In the semi-finals, Lugari booked their place in the girls’ final after beating Bushili Queens 2-1, while Red Commandos defeated The Phoenix Mukumu 2-0.
Green Buffaloes overcame Mumias Vipers 3-2 in the boys’ semi-final, with Holy Cross Injira Senior School edging Shamberere 1-0.
The Western Regional Finals will bring together county champions from Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga and Bungoma. Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School will represent Busia, Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos will fly the Vihiga flag, while Terem FC and Elgon Queens will represent Bungoma.
Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes each received Sh75,000 for winning the Kakamega County titles, while Red Commandos and Holy Cross Injira Senior School pocketed Sh30,000 each.
Shamsi Pachanga and Walles Oweingaya were named the best goalkeepers in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively. Moses Muruka and Ziporah Wanyonyi won the top scorer awards, with Wanyonyi also named Girls’ MVP and Atanas Ombasa Boys’ MVP.
Each individual award winner received Sh10,000, while Wanyonyi and Ombasa will also receive fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the
Future Programme.
