Eastern teams set for tough battle in Machakos

Daisy Chirchir of St. Marys Nduvea (left) runs with the ball past Esther Mumbua of Chuka Starlets (right) during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba season two, Eastern region semi-finals at Kitui Show grounds, Kitui finals at Kitui Show grounds, Kitui county. Chuka Starlets lost the match to St. Marys Nduvea 2-1.

A tough battle is expected when the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Youth Eastern region tournament gets underway at Machakos Stadium today.

With last season’s winners, Supersolico from Mwingi and St Mary’s Ndovea from Makueni failing to qualify from the group stages, eight boys’ and girls’ teams will battle for the top spot and earn a ticket to national contest set for June.

In boys’ semis, Tumaini School from Makueni faces Biashara FC from Moyale as Black Panthers from Meru Central takes on St Daniels from Chuka. In girls’ semifinals, Isiolo Queens will meet Mabuu Queens from Moyale as season one champions Ngakaa Talent from Makueni plays Chuka University.

“Through this tournament, upcoming players gain exposure and a chance to showcase their talent. Various stakeholders from the football scene converge at this competition, increasing the chances of players getting scouted to play for top clubs and the national team as was the case with Harambee Starlets,” said Boniface Ndambuki, Ngakaa Talent coach.

The three-day regional final kicked off with players’ life skills and clinics yesterday before today’s semis and finals tomorrow. Winners will receive Sh200,000 with first runner up getting Sh100,000.

North Eastern’s Berlin FC from Garissa and Coast region’s Yanga FC from Malindi and Kwale Ladies are among teams already qualified for national finals, where winners will get Sh1 million.  

Other teams that have qualified for national finals are Central Region’s Falling Waters from Laikipia and Ulinzi youth from Nanyuki.

Two coaching and scouting clinics by certified La Liga coaches will be conducted during the tournament. The first one was held in Mombasa in December and the next clinic is set for February 22nd and 23rd in Nairobi. 

At least 32 boys and girls will be selected to attend a 10-day training camp in Spain.