Jerseys on, laces strapped, shin guards adjusted - the players exchanged knowing glances as they took their positions on the field ready for the crucial encounters in the regional finals of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom football tournament.
The matches for the Western region were action-packed, with world quality goals, incredible saves, inspiring teamwork and nail-biting penalty sessions.
Ultimately, Bishop Njenga Girls and Lugari Blue Saints emerged the best in the Western regional finals with Manyatta Boys and Ndhiwa Queens from Nyanza also qualifying for the national finals after winning their respective regional titles.
Ndhiwa Queens clinched the top spot in the girls’ category after they thrashed Manyatta United Girls 3-0 in an entertaining contest held under scorching heat at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
In the boys’ finals, Manyatta boys emerged victorious after beating Nyamira Springs 5 goals to nil. With the home crowd cheering them on, the Kisumu based side took the lead in the 12th minute through Dennis Ayot.
After missing a penalty in the 20th minute, Benson Ochieng bounced back by scoring a brace, making him the top scorer with five goals. Clinton Bulimo also scored two goals.
As those teams prepare for the national finals scheduled for June 2019 at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County, Eastern region teams will battle it out for the much-coveted spot to be crowned National Champs.
Eastern region finals will be played on the 9th and 10th of March at Kitui Showgrounds in Kitui County.
Eight youth teams will battle it out for the region’s supremacy in a competition that began in January with a total of 176 teams taking part in the preliminaries.
The regional winners will receive a cash reward of Kshs 200,000 each and a chance to represent the region in the tournament’s national finals. The runners- up will also pocket Kshs 100,000 each.
Eastern region’s defending champions, Mwingi Junior Academy and Ngakaa Talent Center, failed to qualify for regional finals which paves way for new champions to be crowned.
In the boys’ category, Isiolo Young Stars will face off against Triumph boys while Mwingi’s Super Solico will be battling Samba boys.
Gearing up for the girls’ title will be Karugwa Queens from Meru Central versus Chuka Starlets (Meru South) with Marsabit’s Sakuu Queens taking on Makueni’s St. Mary's Ndovea.
Come cheer your favourite teams as you enjoy the best of Kenyan football. You can also keep up to date on the games by dialing *455#.
#TwendeLaliga na #ChapaDimbaNaSafaricom.
