Embu is set to host the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region finals, featuring 16 youth football teams from eight counties in the region. The three-day event will begin with quarter-final matches on Friday across four venues: Nembure Grounds, Kamiu Grounds, Embu Showgrounds, and the University of Embu Grounds. A total of eight boys' and eight girls' teams will compete for the championship title.
The quarter-final matches will kick off at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, with semi-finals slated for Saturday. The tournament will conclude on Sunday with a championship double-header at Moi Stadium, where the Eastern Region champions for both genders will be crowned. The defending champions, Syomunyu Queens of Kitui, will face hosts Royal Queens Academy at the University of Embu Grounds in the girls' quarter-finals.
The girls' quarter-finals will feature several exciting matches, including Dakabaricha from Marsabit versus Bridge Starlets from Isiolo, Akuune Queens from Meru versus MCF Starlets from Machakos, and AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni versus Mugona Girls from Tharaka-Nithi. The boys' quarter-finals will pit Meru's Makinduri Rockstars against SMPI Academy from Kitui, MAFA Academy from Isiolo versus Kajiunduthi High School from Tharaka-Nithi.
Black Cats Football Academy coach Sammy Githinji expressed his team's motivation to play on home turf, aiming to keep the regional trophy in Embu. Syomunyu Queens head coach Amos Mulwa acknowledged the pressure of defending the title but affirmed his squad's readiness to face a tough challenge. The teams will also participate in development clinics covering financial literacy, data privacy, mental health, and the use of AI-powered wearable technology.
The Eastern Region campaign attracted 382 registered teams this season, comprising 272 boys' teams and 110 girls' teams. Meru led registrations with 81 teams, followed by Machakos with 79. The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament aims to promote youth football and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.
The tournament's organizers expect a high level of competition among the teams, with several top-notch teams vying for the championship title. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, with football fans from across the region expected to attend the matches. The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament has become a premier youth football event in Kenya.
The championship double-header on Sunday at Moi Stadium promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament. The winners of the boys' and girls' categories will be crowned the Eastern Region champions, earning a spot in the national finals. The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament continues to provide opportunities for young Kenyan footballers to develop their skills and compete at a high level.
Key points
- The Eastern Region campaign attracted 382 registered teams this season.
- The tournament will conclude on Sunday with a championship double-header at Moi Stadium.
- The event features development clinics covering financial literacy, data privacy, mental health, and AI-powered wearable technology.
