Only one game in the world has earned the honour of being synonymous with beauty - that is football. If you Google the words "Beautiful game" the first page is filled with articles describing football.
The power of beautiful game cannot be underestimated as it has lifted players to incredible heights, sent the sanest of them into hysteria, made the strongest among them cry and brought giants to their knees.
In Kenya, the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom competition has brought out the passion in both the players.
The national tourney builds character in that it teaches trust, how to encourage as well as the importance of teamwork. The best players are the ones who are not only talented, but also those who gel well with their teammates.
Mombasa’s teams, Shimanzi Youth and Changamwe Ladies are the winners of Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Coast region finals.
The crowd’s favourites Shimanzi Youth triumphed after putting up a skillful match against Maweni United from Malindi scoring two goals to one within the regulation time.
The Most Valuable Player in the tournament, Cedrick Asmani netted the first goal for Shimanzi Youth giving the home team an early lead at 35th minute. Safari Juma scored the second goal at 45th minute to seal the win for Shimanzi Youth. Okwaro Dennis scored the consolation goal for Maweni United at 74th minute.
“We are very happy to have won the title this round. We lost it last season, but today is our happy day. The boys have been training so hard focusing on the top spot. We are not stopping at this because our eyes are set in the national finals. We will continue our trainings as we prepare for the national finals,” said Christine Nanjala, Coach Shimanzi Youth.
Changamwe Ladies clinched the top spot in the girls’ category after beating Malindi’s Solwogidi one goals to nil, thanks to Issa Hadwa last minutes’ header.
“It was a challenge to play on the tuft under floodlights because it was our first time ever to play under such conditions. Our opponents were tough as well but we managed to get a goal. Our win today is a great motivation to the team and we are determined to excel in the national finals,” said Joyce Hamisi, Top Scorer, Changamwe Ladies.
The 5th of 8 regional finals were played in the evening under floodlights with the Semifinals on Saturday kicking off at 3.00pm and the finals on Sunday starting at 6.00pm.
“Players’ welfare is a key component of Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament. The high temperatures in Mombasa during the day could greatly affect their performance and that’s why we felt the need to have the games played in the evening. We appreciate Safaricom for taking this into account and catering for the extra expenses.
"The teams are ready and we expect very competitive and entertaining football over the weekend,” Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Coast Region Coordinator Michael Karanja stated.
Mombasa teams Shimanzi Youth and Kaloleni United will square it out in the first boys' semifinal, while Kilifi’s Matsangaoni boys will take on Maweni United from Malindi in the second semi. In the girls’ category, Changamwe Ladies from Mombasa will face Kwale Starlets as Matsangaoni Ladies from Kilifi playing Malindi’s Solwogidi.
The winners will join Kitale queens and Al-Ahly FC from Rift Valley, Bishop Njenga Girls and Lugari Blue Saints from Western, Manyatta Boys and Ndhiwa Queens from Nyanza as well as Super Solico and St Mary’s Ndovea from Eastern for the June-slated national finals.
At the grand finale, the winning boys’ and girls’ teams will each walk away with Kshs1 Million shillings in prize money.
This year an all-star team will be selected to attend a training camp in Spain during which they will play against local youth sides.
Come cheer your favourite teams this weekend as you enjoy the best of Kenyan football.
You can also keep up to date on the games by dialing *455#.
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