Embu:This weekend, Embu County is the venue for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region finals, with matches being held at Moi Stadium. Eight semi-finalist teams are competing in this tournament.
According to Kenya News Agency, the girls’ semifinals saw MSF Starlets from Machakos edge out AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni with a 1:0 victory. Meanwhile, Royal Queens Academy Football Girls from Embu won against Dakabaricha Secondary from Marsabit, securing their spot with a 2:1 win.
In the boys’ category, Mkinduri Lockstar from Meru advanced to the finals scheduled for Sunday, October 4, after defeating Golden Football from Machakos 2:1. In the other boys’ semi-final, MAFA Academy from Isiolo was leading Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni 3:0 at the time of reporting.
Jackson Mutua, Safaricom PLC Coast and Eastern Regions Business Lead, announced that the winners of both the boys’ and girls’ finals will receive Sh250,000 and the opportunity to represent the region at the national finals next year. The runners-up in each category will be awarded Sh150,000, along with individual awards for the most valuable player, top scorer, and best goalkeeper, each receiving Sh30,000.
Mutua emphasized that the tournament not only provides a platform for talent scouting but also aims to engage the youth positively by enabling them to earn from their passion for football. He highlighted the importance of developing young talents and offering them alternatives to negative influences like drug abuse.
An intensive scouting exercise is concurrently being conducted by coaches from the Kenya Premier League and National Super League teams. This initiative seeks to identify standout players for potential recruitment into top-tier clubs and national youth teams, including the Junior Stars and Starlets.
