Ombek Red Devils from Rachuonyo edged out Awendo Academy from Migori in the Nyanza Regional boys Finals of Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom youth tournament held today at Gusii Stadium, Kisii.
The ‘Devils’ triumphed after putting up a striking match against Awendo Acedemy scoring 2:1 within the regulation time.
Plateau Queens from Nyando earlier won the girls category after beating Ugari Starlets from Migori 1:0.
The winners each received a cash reward of Shs 200,000 and will now proceed to the National finals set for the 24th and 25thMarch, 2018. At the grand finale, the winning team will walk away with Sh1 million each and an opportunity to go for an international training and mentorship camp in London in April 2018.
“We have had very entertaining matches today with unbelievable football talents displayed. We congratulate the winning teams for the job well done! We are very proud of this partnership with Safaricom for it is uncovering talented football players from all over the country,” said Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa.
Two players from Rift Valley region, David Majak who was the top scorer in Narok and Fredrick Krop both from Kapenguria Heroes have already signed for Kakamega Homeboyz to play in the Kenya Premier League Side ahead of the new 2018 season.
“The output of this tournament is for sure impactful. We celebrate the milestone achievements that have so far been realized. We urge all the youth to actively take part in events that seek to transform their lives like Chapa Dimba,” said Sylvia Mulinge, Director -Consumer Business
The winners have now joined the likes of Kapenguria Heroes and Tar Tar girls from the Rift region as well as Mwingi Junior Academy and Ngakaa Talent Center from Eastern region into the National finals set for March next year.
“We congratulate all the teams that have already made it to the finals! We are all proud of you,” said Sylvia Mulinge.
Over 380 games were played across Nyanza region with 265 teams taking part in the competition that kicked off with group stages on 14th and 15th October in Nyanza West.
Safaricom has invested Sh100 million towards the program which includes Sh10m worth of prizes as well as funds for renovation of select community pitches through a legacy programme.