Lugari Progressive out to retain Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega title

Defending girls' champions Lugari Progressive Academy will begin their quest for a second consecutive Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County title this weekend as the race for Western Regional qualification reaches the semi-final stage at Bukhungu Stadium.

Popularly known as Bishop Njenga, Lugari Progressive will face Bushili Queens in the opening girls' semi-final. The second semi-final pits The Phoenix Mukumu against Red Commandos, with the winners advancing to the county final.

In the boys' competition, Shamberere will take on Holy Cross Injira Senior School in the first semi-final, while Mumias Vipers face Green Buffaloes for the remaining place in the final.

Lugari Progressive head coach Fred Serenge is confident his side is ready to defend its crown despite a quick turnaround following the National School Games, where the team finished third.

"We are fresh from the National School Games, where we finished third. We are also the defending Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County champions and the reigning Western Region school games champions. We only have two days to prepare for the weekend matches, but we will use the experience we gained at the school games to ensure we retain our county title," said Serenge.

The Kakamega County finals follow the conclusion of the Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga county championships. The winners will join Busia champions Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School, Vihiga winners Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos, and Bungoma champions Terem FC and Elgon Queens at the Western Regional Finals, scheduled for 15 and 16 August at Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma.

The winning boys' and girls' teams will each receive KSh75,000, while the runners-up will earn KES30,000. Individual honours will also be contested, with the Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both the boys' and girls' competitions each receiving KES10,000.

The tournament's Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) will receive KSh10,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship through the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and a monthly upkeep stipend, enabling the recipient to pursue a course of their choice at a public tertiary institution in Kenya.

Outstanding performers will also be selected for the tournament's All-Stars team, which will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the world's largest youth football tournament.

The experience will give the players an opportunity to compete against elite international opposition while attracting the attention of scouts, academies and professional clubs from around the world.