BY RITA MUTHONI
Embu County is hosting the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region finals at Moi Stadium, with the top boys’ and girls’ teams battling for regional honours and a place at the national finals.
In the girls’ category, MSF Starlets from Machakos booked their place in the final after edging out AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni 1-0, while hosts Royal Queens Academy Football Girls defeated Dakabaricha Secondary from Marsabit 2-1.
Mkinduri Lockstar from Meru secured the first boys’ final slot after overcoming Golden Football from Machakos 2-1 in a hard-fought semi-final.
The second boys’ semi-final was ongoing at the time of reporting, with MAFA Academy from Isiolo leading Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni 3-0.
The boys’ and girls’ winners will each pocket Sh. 250,000 and earn a ticket to represent the Eastern Region at the national finals scheduled for early next year.
Runners-up in both categories will receive Sh. 150,000, while the Most Valuable Player, top scorer and best goalkeeper will each take home Sh. 30,000.
Safaricom PLC Coast and Eastern Regions Business Lead Jackson Mutua said the tournament is providing young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talent while encouraging them to pursue constructive activities.
“The main objective of this campaign is to encourage the youth to develop their talents and keep them away from vices such as drug abuse. Chapa Dimba is not just about football, it is about giving hope and a platform to the youth from the village level,” said Mutua.
He added that an intensive scouting exercise is also being conducted alongside the tournament by coaches from Kenya Premier League and National Super League clubs.
Standout players are being assessed for possible recruitment into top-tier clubs and national youth teams, including the Junior Stars and Starlets.
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