Kirinyaga County is set to host the central regional finals of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba this weekend, with eight teams vying for the title at Wang’uru Stadium.
The competition will feature both boys’ and girls’ teams, including two-time regional champions Barcelona Ladies FC and the formidable Kartzville FC, among others.
The semi-finals will commence with Barcelona Ladies FC defending their title against Kartzville FC. The day will continue with matches featuring Karatina Homeboyz, Lysa FC, Kiwanja Queens, and St. Joseph Sec, culminating with Kiaga Secondary facing off against M-PESA Foundation Academy.
Emman Wafula Gullit, head coach of Barcelona Ladies FC, expressed the team’s determination to secure their third consecutive regional title and represent their region at the national level, a goal previously disrupted by the pandemic. The team has been actively preparing, bolstered by local competitions and daily training sessions.
This event concludes the regional finals of the tournament’s fourth edition, which began last August. The Central region saw participation from 325 teams across six counties, engaging in grassroots-level competition.
In preparation for the matches, players and coaches will attend clinics focusing on various football aspects, including the innovative use of GPS Sports Vests introduced by Safaricom for player scouting and profile development.
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament is designed to discover new talent, support the development of Kenyan football, and provide training for 250 coaches. It targets young footballers aged 16 to 20, offering them a chance to showcase their skills and advance their careers.