Chapa Dimba Kakamega County Finals will take centre stage this weekend at Bukhungu Stadium as some of the county’s best boys’ and girls’ football teams battle for the championship and a place in the Western Regional Finals.
In the girls’ competition, defending champions Lugari Progressive Academy, also known as Bishop Njenga, will begin their title defence against Bushili Queens in the first semi-final. The second semi-final will feature The Phoenix Mukumu against Red Commandos. The winners of both matches will qualify for the county final.
The boys’ semi-finals will also be highly competitive. Shamberere will face Holy Cross Injira Senior School, while Mumias Vipers will take on Green Buffaloes. The winning teams will advance to the final to compete for the county title.
Lugari Progressive Academy head coach Fred Serenge said his players are ready despite having only two days to prepare after competing in the National School Games, where they finished third.
“We are the defending Kakamega County champions and Western Region school games champions. We have little time to prepare, but the experience from the national games has given us confidence to defend our title,” he said.
The Kakamega County Finals come after successful county tournaments in Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga. The champions from Kakamega will join winners from those counties in the Western Regional Finals, which will be held on August 15 and 16 at Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma.
The tournament offers attractive rewards. The winning boys’ and girls’ teams will each receive KES 75,000, while the runners-up will take home KES 30,000 each.
Individual players will also be recognised. The Top Scorer and Best Goalkeeper in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions will each receive KES 10,000.
The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) will receive KES 10,000 and a fully funded scholarship through the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly allowance, allowing the winner to study at a public tertiary institution in Kenya.
Outstanding players selected for the tournament’s All-Stars Team will also earn the chance to represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the world’s largest youth football tournament. There, they will compete against top international teams while gaining valuable exposure to football scouts, academies, and professional clubs.
The Chapa Dimba tournament continues to provide young Kenyan footballers with opportunities to develop their talent, earn educational support, and pursue their dreams of playing football at the highest level.