Embu County is currently hosting the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region finals at the Moi Stadium, with eight teams competing in the semi-finals. The tournament features teams from various counties, including Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Marsabit, and Isiolo. The competition is fierce, with teams battling it out for a chance to win the top prize and represent the region at the national finals.
In the girls' category, MSF Starlets from Machakos won their semi-final match against AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni with a score of 1:0. Royal Queens Academy Football Girls from host county Embu also advanced to the finals after defeating Dakabaricha Secondary from Marsabit 2:1. The winners of the girls' and boys' finals will receive Sh250,000 and a ticket to represent the region at the national finals.
In the boys' category, Mkinduri Lockstar from Meru qualified for the finals after defeating Golden Football from Machakos 2:1. The second boys' semi-final match was ongoing at the time of reporting, with MAFA Academy from Isiolo leading 3:0 against Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni. The tournament offers a significant prize for the winners and runners-up.
Safaricom PLC Coast and Eastern Regions Business Lead Jackson Mutua stated that the winners of the boys' and girls' finals will receive Sh250,000. The runners-up will take home Sh150,000 for each category. Additionally, individual awards will be given to the most valuable player, top scorer, and best goalkeeper, each receiving Sh30,000.
According to Mutua, the tournament aims to engage young people constructively, allowing them to earn from their passion and talents. The main objective is to encourage youth to develop their talents and keep them away from vices such as drug abuse. Mutua emphasized that Chapa Dimba is not just about football but also about giving hope and a platform to the youth from the village level.
An intensive scouting exercise led by coaches from Kenya Premier League and National Super League teams is ongoing on the sidelines of the tournament. Standout players will be selected for possible recruitment into top-tier clubs and the national youth teams, including the Junior Stars and Starlets. This provides an opportunity for talented players to advance their careers.
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region finals will conclude on Sunday, October 4, 2026, with the national finals slated for early next year. The tournament has been organized to promote football talent in the region and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.
Key points
- The Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region finals offer a significant prize of Sh250,000 for the winners.
- The tournament aims to engage young people constructively and encourage them to develop their talents.
- An intensive scouting exercise is ongoing to identify talented players for possible recruitment into top-tier clubs and national youth teams.
