Kisumu’s Obunga FC and Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls, are the national champions of Season 4 of Kenya’s junior grassroots football tournament Safaricom Chapa Dimba.
The two teams each walked away with KES1 million (about $7,600) in cash and TVET scholarships for each player, with the runners-up teams taking home KES500,000.
Roared on by their vocal fans who completely packed the Jomo Kenyatta, Mamboleo stadium in Kisumu County, ‘The Mighty’ Obunga FC, clinched the title in the boys’ category after defeating Uasin Gishu’s PASC Langa 4-2 in a post-match penalty shootout, following a tense 1-1 draw during regular time.
Dennis Okono (PASC Langa) gifted Obunga FC a 6th minute lead when he deflected George Ogutu’s cross into his own net. A few minutes before the end of the first half, a rainstorm began, causing a delay in the start of the second half. With the pitch waterlogged, the players found the going tough after the restart.
In the 76th minute, a goalie error by Obunga FC’s goalkeeper, Williams Odek, allowed Alex Kamadi to score an equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Each team then pushed on for a win but all went in vain and the match ended at 1-1in regular time. Odek turned from villain to hero when he saved 2 penalties to ensure Obunga FC claimed national supremacy and the KES 1 million shilling prize money.
“Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to God for our victory today and for emerging as the national champions. Competing in this tournament for the first time and clinching the national trophy was no small feat. It was a highly intense and challenging game, especially with a big number of fans. I extend heartfelt thanks to Safaricom for organising such an incredible tournament, and I am immensely grateful to my team and our supporters for believing in us,” said Evans Oketch head coach Obunga FC.
In the girls’ category, the Nyanza region reigning champions and the season one national champions, Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls) secured their second national championship crown after beating Barcelona Ladies SC from Laikipia County 4-nil.
Plateau Queens kept the Barcelona goalkeeper busy all through the first half and their efforts were rewarded 6 minutes before halftime when Emily Moranga opened the scoring with a powerful left foot shot after an assist by Swaum Masungo.
A minute into the second half, a throw from Emily Moranga was headed goalwards by Swaum Masungo and eventually headed into their own net by Barcelona’s Pauline Pierae. In the 56th minute, Maureen Atieno got the crowd on their feet when she scored an acrobatic goal following an assist by Emily Moranga to make it 3-nil. With just two minutes left on the clock, speedy winger Swaum Masungo scored the fourth goal, securing a resounding 4-0 victory for the Plateau Queens.
“As a team we are more than happy for emerging the champions in this fourth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament. We first lifted the trophy during the inaugural edition and today’s win is a clear mark on how we value this tournament that is geared towards not only just showcasing but nurturing many young talents in this country. I want to thank Safaricom, our fans and my players for making it happen,” said Chrispine Odindo head Coach Plateau Queens
Obunga FC had stormed into finals after defeating Bandari Youth FC from Mombasa 2 nil as PASC Langa had secured a slot into the finals after beating Western’s regional Champions, Ebwali Boys, 4 nil in the semifinals played on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Plateau Queens had sailed through to the finals after beating Brenda Girls from Bungoma County 5-1 in the semifinals. On the other hand, coach Wafula Gullit’s Barcelona Ladies SC who were representing Central region had made it to the finals after edging out Trans Nzoia-based and Rift Valley giants, Wiyeta Girls 2-1.
The national champions (both Obunga FC and Plateau Queens) have pocketed KES 1 million in cash each and TVET scholarships for each player. The runners-up PASC Langa FC and Barcelona Ladies SC each took home KES500,000.
The four semifinalists (Ebwali Boys, Bandari Youth FC, Brenda Girls and Wiyeta Girls) were also awarded KES 250,000 each.
In addition to the prize money, each player, both winners, runners-up, also got Neon Smartphones, the first locally assembled 4G smartphone in Kenya.
The outstanding players, including the Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player (boys and girls), each received KES. 50,000.
With the national finals done and dusted, the All-Star team comprising of the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) now prepares to head to Spain for a two-week football bootcamp and training.
