Lugari Progressive Academy will begin their quest to retain the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County girls’ title this weekend when they face Bushili Queens in the opening semi-final at Bukhungu Stadium.
The second girls’ semi-final will feature The Phoenix Mukumu against Red Commandos, with the winners progressing to the county final. The victorious teams in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will earn KES 75,000 and secure qualification for the Western Regional Finals, while runners-up will receive KES 30,000.
In the boys’ competition, Shamberere will take on Holy Cross Injira Senior School in the first semi-final before Mumias Vipers face Green Buffaloes for second place in the final.
Lugari Progressive head coach Fred Serenge expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defend the title despite having limited recovery time following the National School Games, where the side 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 county championships in Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga. The winners from Kakamega will join Busia champions Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School, Vihiga winners Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos, as well as Bungoma champions Terem FC and Elgon Queens at the Western Regional Finals set for August 15 and 16 at Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma.
Beyond the county title, teams will compete for attractive prizes and opportunities to nurture young football talent. The champions in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions will each receive KES 75,000, while runners-up will take home KES 30,000.
Individual excellence will also be rewarded, with the Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both categories receiving KES 10,000 each.
The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) will earn KES 10,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and a monthly upkeep stipend at a public tertiary institution in Kenya.
Outstanding performers from across the tournament will also be selected to form the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars team, which will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden. The prestigious youth football tournament offers players an opportunity to compete against international teams while gaining exposure to scouts, football academies and professional clubs from around the world.
The Kakamega County Finals are expected to produce another crop of talented players as teams battle not only for county honours but also for a pathway to regional success and international exposure through the Safaricom Chapa Dimba programme.