All set for Chapa Dimba national finals in Kisumu

The fixtures for the fourth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba national finals has been officially released following today's draw held at Michael Joseph Center (MJC), Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi.

Sixteen teams, comprising eight boys' and eight girls' teams, will line up for the national title competition set to start from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14, at the Kenyatta Stadium and Moi Stadium in Kisumu County.

“The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament stands out as one of the most prestigious events in our nation's sports calendar. The fourth edition has been exceptional, boasting a remarkable participation of over 3,300 teams from grassroots levels.

"We have had the privilege of witnessing incredible talents, with some already making their mark in our National U-20 and Premier League teams. We are set for the national finals next week in Kisumu, where sixteen teams will battle for the national title,” said Chris Amimo, Chapa Dimba tournament director.

The games will start from the quarter finals stage which will be played in two different pitches - Mamboleo Stadium and Moi Stadium. In the boys’ category, the hosts, Obunga FC, will take on Lysa FC from the Central region.

Bandari Youth from Coast region will face Wajir All-stars from North Eastern region. PASC Langa from Rift Valley will play against Dandora’s Young Kings from Nairobi, while Ebwali FC from the Western region will take on Chuka University Scorpions from the Eastern region.

In the girls’ category, the hosts and season 1 champions, Plateau Queens alias Nyakach Girls, will play against Changamwe Ladies from Coast region.  Brenda Girls from Western region will take on Syomunyu Secondary. Dagoretti Mixed from Nairobi will face off against Wiyeta Girls of Rift Valley as Barcelona Ladies SC from the Central region meet Wajir Queens from North Eastern.

After the quarterfinals, all action move to Kenyatta Stadium for thrilling semifinals which will be played on Friday and Saturday. Finals will then follow on Sunday, still at Mamboleo Stadium.

“As we prepare for the national finals, let us celebrate not just the impending victories but also the spirit of unity, hard work, and community upliftment that Safaricom Chapa Dimba represents. Our investment in this tournament, over Sh. 400 million this season, is an investment in the future of Kenya - a future where every young person can dare to dream and achieve those dreams,” said Lucille Aveva, Director, Customer Obsession at Safaricom.

“Chapa Dimba is more than a football tournament to us. It is a platform where we also deeply engage with communities through health and socio-economic empowerment initiatives. This season alone, we have conducted 8 Digital Financial Literacy training, empowering over 4,000 vendors and setting them up for their journey towards financial independence. Additionally, over 20,000 individuals have benefited from our medical camps across the eight regions,” added Aveva.

The national finals follow a successful grassroots games (ward level, county finals, intercounty play-off, and regional finals) conducted across the eight regions of the country; Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Eastern, Coast, North Eastern, Nairobi, and Central regions, where 3,353 teams and over 60,300 players were featured in the tournament.