Central's Barcelona Ladies out to upset form book at Chapa Dimba national finals

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.

Barcelona Ladies successfully defended their Central region title for the third year in a row after beating their opponents St. Joseph from Murang’a with a resounding 5-0 victory.

Citizen Digital caught up with the players during their training session at the Nyahururu Stadium where they expressed their optimism that they would win the forthcoming meeting.

Coach Emman Wafula Gullit said the regional championships was not easy owing to the fact that all the participating teams had prepared enough.

He added that harsh weather was a major challenge to most of their players but since they had prepared enough, they were able to withstand the challenges.

“We’re ready for the nationals and I believe the next Kenya’s champion can come from Central. We know the challenge will be big but are ready to upset the form book.”

Top scorer Calta Nasambu and her counterpart Milkah Sonya Wambui who emerged the best goalkeeper, said they were all set for the championship adding that team work, dedication and commitment by players played a great role to ensure their win.

Officials of the team led by Coach Emman Wafula, Technical team led by Onyie Woud Odhiambo and Milan Wambui has said the players are in good form despite numerous challenges they have been facing in the recent past.

Financial constraint is one of the major challenge that hamper their travelling for away matches but according to the officials and players, this has not dampened their resolve to perform to their level best.

Barcelona Ladies SC was started in 2019 and has since been depending on well-wishers who come together and raise money to facilitate the team in their day-to-day activities.

Last year, Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi promised to adopt the team and also pump in some Kshs. 300,000 to jump start the club but the promise has yet to be honoured.

The Safaricom Chapa Ndimba National Championships are set to start on Thursday with Barcelona meeting Wajir Queens from North Eastern.

Sixteen teams, comprising eight boys' and eight girls' teams, will line up for the national title competition.

According to the organizers, the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament stands out as one of the most prestigious events in the nation's sports calendar and the fourth edition has been exceptional, boasting an incredible participation of over 3,300 teams from grassroots levels.

After the quarterfinals, all action moves to Kenyatta Stadium for thrilling semifinals which will be played on Friday and Saturday.

Finals will then follow on Sunday, still at Mamboleo Stadium.