Awendo Football Academy from Migori and Plateau Queens from Kisumu County have been crowned the boys’ and girls’ champions of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals after recording 4-0 victories in their respective matches at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu.
Awendo Football Academy claimed its maiden regional title after defeating Siaya-based Indomitable Soldiers in a commanding boys’ final, with Kevin Mukaramoja scoring a hat-trick to lead his team to victory.
Mukaramoja opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a spectacular free kick before doubling the lead five minutes later. Rayce Ochieng added a third goal in the 77th minute, while Mukaramoja completed his hat-trick one minute before the final whistle to seal the 4-0 win.
The victory marked a significant turnaround for Awendo, who lost to Obunga FC in last season’s final.
“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. The task is not yet over, as our aim is to win the national trophy,” said Dennis Otondi, Head Coach, Awendo Football Academy.
In the girls’ final, national defending champions Plateau Queens retained their regional title for the third consecutive time after overpowering Homa Bay-based Hedso Queens 4-0. Beryl Awuor, Emily Adhiambo, Joan Agola and Velma Auma scored for the Kisumu side.
“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. As we head to the national finals, we are determined to retain the title,” said Chrispine Odindo, Head Coach, Plateau Queens.
Awendo secured its place in the final after a 1-0 victory over Kendu Muslim, while Indomitable Soldiers edged regional and national defending champions Obunga FC by the same scoreline. Plateau Queens advanced following an 8-0 win over Masosa Starlets, with Hedso Queens defeating Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0.
Safaricom Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali said the regional finals had showcased promising football talent and highlighted the importance of providing young players with opportunities to develop their careers.
“We have witnessed amazing talent here in Kisumu, and I would say the future of Kenyan football is bright. We had scouts on the ground, and I believe they have identified some great talent. I am sure we will see some of these Chapa Dimba players going on to play for local clubs and even securing opportunities with international clubs. Our purpose is to continue tapping into, nurturing, and showcasing talent to the world,” she said.
Both regional champions received Ksh. 250,000 each, while runners-up Indomitable Soldiers and Hedso Queens took home Ksh. 150,000 each. The teams also received individual prizes, including smartphones and airtime.
Plateau Queens’ Valarie Achieng and Awendo Football Academy’s Chris Georgian were named Best Goalkeepers, while Emily Adhiambo and Kevin Mukaramoja claimed the Top Scorer awards in the girls’ and boys’ categories, respectively.
Imelda Akinyi of Plateau Queens and Alex Ouma of Indomitable Soldiers were named Most Valuable Players. Each individual award winner received Ksh. 30,000, while the two MVPs also earned fully funded tertiary education scholarships under Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future Programme.
Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens will represent the Nyanza Region at the national finals scheduled for early next year. They join Central Region champions St. Joseph Starlets and LYSA, as well as Western Region champions Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive, who have already qualified.
The regional finals were followed by an exhibition match between Equator Boys of Maseno School and City Boys of Kisumu Boys High School, with City Boys winning 2-1.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba now heads to the Eastern Region, with the next regional finals set to take place in Embu. The competition provides 14 to 17-year-old footballers with a platform to showcase their talent, compete at a high level and pursue opportunities both on and off the pitch.
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