Syomunyu Secondary School players celebrate after defeating Chuka University Starlets to clinch Eastern Regional title at Kinoru Stadium/HANDOUT Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region defending champions Syomunyu Queens of Kitui will begin their title defence against hosts Royal Queens Academy of Embu today (Friday) at the University of Embu Grounds.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 am, with Syomunyu looking forward to a strong start as they target another regional title and a place in the national finals.
Syomunyu head coach Amos Mulwa expects a tough challenge but believes his players are ready for the pressure that comes with the defending champions tag.
“First, I want to congratulate my girls for making it to this stage. The competition has been fierce, with every team fighting for a place in the regionals. We are here to defend our title, and we expect a tough challenge; we are ready for it,” said Mulwa.
Mulwa acknowledged that opponents will be motivated to eliminate the defending champions but insisted that his team remains focused on retaining the title.
“Every team wants to beat the defending champions, but our opponents should know that it will not be easy. We are determined to retain our crown and our focus is to stick to our playing system and fight until the very end,” he added.
The other girls’ quarter-final fixtures scheduled for Friday include: Dakabaricha (Marsabit) vs Bridge Starlets (Isiolo) at Embu Showgrounds, Akuune Queens (Meru) vs MCF Starlets (Machakos) at Nembure Grounds and AIC Sultan Queens (Makueni) vs Mugona Girls (Kamiu Grounds, Tharaka-Nithi).
Meanwhile, Black Cats Football Academy head coach Sammy Githinji expressed his excitement after reaching the regionals despite tough competition.
“It's exciting to reach this stage. Safaricom Chapa Dimba is highly competitive, and every team dreams of making it to the regional finals, if not the nationals,” said Githinji.
Black Cats Academy will face Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni, and Githinji is confident his team is well prepared to compete for the title despite the pressure. “There is pressure that comes with playing at home, but we are prepared for the task ahead. Our goal is to compete for the regional title and ensure the trophy stays in Embu,” he said.
Other fixtures in the boys' quarter-finals are: Makinduri Rockstars (Meru) vs SMPI Academy (Kitui) at Embu Showgrounds, MAFA Academy (Isiolo) vs Kajiunduthi High School (Tharaka-Nithi) at Kamiu Grounds and Golden Academy ( Machakos) vs Abdary FC ( Marsabit) at the University of Embu.
