Awendo Football Academy celebrate after winning the Nyanza region title/ANGWENYI GICHANAAwendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens have set their sights on the Safaricom Chapa national finals after winning the Nyanza region boys’ and girls’ titles respectively.
Awendo defeated Indomitable Soldiers from Siaya 4-0 in a thrilling boys’ final, while Plateau Queens had a 4-0 win over Hedson Queens at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu.
Dennis Otondi, the Awendo head coach, said: “The task is not yet over, as we aim to win the national trophy.”
“I want to thank God for bringing us this far. To our fans who believed in us and walked this journey with us, we are so grateful. Last season, we lost to Obunga in the final, but today we are happy to take this regional trophy to Migori for the first time.”
To reach the final, Awendo defeated Kendu Muslim 1-0, while Indomitable Soldiers edged regional and national defending champions Obunga FC 1-0.
Plateau Queens coach Chrispine Odindo vowed to retain their title.
“We are determined to retain the national title,” said Odindo.
“We are happy to defend our title for the third time. It has not been easy, but we have managed. I also want to thank my girls for their dedication and the effort they have put in to ensure that we retain this title. Our opponents today were a good team, but we stuck to our game plan.”
Plateau Queens booked their place in the final after overpowering Masosa Starlets 8-0, while Hedson Queens secured their spot after seeing off Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0.
Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens were awarded Sh250,000 each, alongside other individual prizes, including smartphones and airtime. The runners-up, Indomitable Soldiers and Hedso Queens, received Sh150,000 each.
Valarie Achieng of Plateau Queens and Chris Georgian of Awendo Football Academy won the best goalkeeper awards. At the same time, Emily Adhiambo of Plateau Queens and Kevin Mukaramoja of Awendo Football Academy claimed the top scorer awards.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards went to Imelda Akinyi of Plateau Queens and Alex Ouma of Indomitable Soldiers.
Each winner took home Sh30,000. Additionally, both MVPs received fully funded tertiary education scholarships under Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future Programme.
Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens now join St. Joseph Starlets and LYSA from the Central Region, as well as Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive from the Western Region, who have already booked their places in the national finals.
