Lugari progressive team displaying a cheque after winning the Kakamega County Chapa Dimba/HANDOUT The line-up comprises four boys’ and four girls’ teams that emerged county champions. They are Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School from Busia, Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos from Vihiga, Terem FC and Elgon Queens from Bungoma, and Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes from Kakamega.
“This weekend, we are all heading to Bungoma for our first Chapa Dimba Regional Final of the season. We have eight teams competing, and we expect a packed weekend of exciting action,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
Elgon Queens will open the girls’ programme against Kakamega’s Lugari Progressive in the first semi-final, before Vihiga’s Blue Commandos take on defending champions Chakol Queens in the second. Lugari coach Fred Serenge is confident his side can go all the way after losing 2-1 to Brenda Girls in last season’s final.
“This year we are determined to win both the regional and national titles. The girls are in good shape, injury-free, and well prepared after stepping up their training immediately after the county finals,” Serenge said.
He also hopes some of his players will earn selection to the Chapa Dimba All-Star team that will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden. In the boys’ category, hosts Terem FC will face Vihiga Cranes in the opening semi-final, followed by Musokoto Secondary School against Kakamega’s Green Buffaloes.
Vihiga Cranes coach Francis Muhambe, who guided Ebwali Boys to the regional title last season, is targeting another triumph. “There is certainly pressure, but I trust my boys and believe we have what it takes to win the regional crown,” Muhambe said.
The semi-final winners will meet in Sunday’s finals, with each champion earning Sh250,000 and a place at the national finals. Runners-up will receive Sh150,000. The Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player in each category will receive Sh30,000.
The Golden Ball winner will also receive a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The Western Region attracted 521 teams this season, while 3,178 teams registered nationally, including 811 girls’ teams. The Season Five All-Star team will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup, the world’s largest youth football tournament.
