Following an outstanding performance at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Coast regional finals last weekend, five talented players from Bandari Youth, the newly crowned Coast Region champions, have earned spots in the FKF Premier League side, Bandari FC.
Among the recruits is Khamisi Nyale, who not only clinched the Most Valuable Player title but also emerged as the top scorer in the Coast Chapa Dimba tournament.
Joining him are left-back David Wanyama, winger William Gitama, midfielder Renson Wakalo, and center back Baraka Rodgers. This talented quintet is poised to make their debut in the Kenya Premier League this weekend as Bandari FC takes on Kariobangi Sharks at the Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa.
Khamis Nyale, the standout performer, showcased his scoring prowess by netting a hattrick in the finals against The Young Gunners of Tana River.
Expressing his delight, Bandari Youth head coach Alex Shikanga said, “It gives me a lot of pleasure to see five of my players promoted to the senior team, Bandari FC. The five not only stood out as the best in my team but also from the entire teams that participated in the regional finals of the Chapa Dimba here in Mombasa.”
He added, “I believe that with their determination, focus, and hard work, they will go far. Thanks to Safaricom for committing to providing such a platform that allows players from the grassroots level to showcase their talents to the world.”
In another development, Duncan Odhiambo Omalla, discovered during the Nyanza Region Safaricom Chapa Dimba, has received a call-up with ABM Football Academy in Mali.
The 17-year-old, who previously played for Obunga FC and was named the Nyanza Region Chapa Dimba joint top scorer, made his debut in the national team, featuring in the Junior Stars that secured silver in the 2023 CECAFA Under-18 football.
Over the years, Safaricom Chapa Dimba has proven to be a breeding ground for football talent, producing notable players such as Benson Omala of Gor Mahia, David Majak of Tusker FC, Jentrix Shikangwa of Simba Queens in Tanzania, Atem Kato in the USA, Timothy Ouma in Sweden, and others.
The tournament not only aims to showcase talent but also provides a structured platform for scouts and coaches to identify new prospects, contributing to the development of feeder systems for football leagues across Kenya. The tournament targets footballers aged between 16 and 20 years old, with a goal of training 250 coaches.
