Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive have been crowned champions of the fifth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western Region finals, earning the right to represent the region at the national finals later next year.
Vihiga Cranes secured the boys’ title after edging Busia’s Musokoto Secondary School 1-0 in a closely contested final played at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County.
The decisive goal came in the 61st minute when Tonny Omondi headed home from Luke Ramsey’s well-delivered corner to give Vihiga Cranes the regional crown.
Vihiga head coach Francis Muhambe praised his players for their resilience, saying the team would now shift its focus to the national finals.
“This was a tough and closely fought match, and credit to Musokoto Secondary, who played very well. We managed to capitalise on the opportunity that came our way,” Muhambe said.
In the girls’ final, Lugari Progressive, also known as Archbishop Njenga Girls, defeated Chakol Girls of Busia 5-4 on penalties after the match ended goalless in regulation time.
Lugari coach Fred Serenge said the victory was the result of determination and consistent effort from his players.
The two regional champions each received KES 250,000, in addition to smartphones and airtime. The runners-up, Musokoto Secondary School and Chakol Girls, received KES 150,000 each, alongside smartphones and airtime.
Individual awards also attracted cash prizes of KES 30,000. The Most Valuable Player award additionally came with a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
In the boys’ category, Elvis Ogiro of Musokoto Secondary won the MVP award, while Hanifa Mashasha of Chakol Girls was named the girls’ MVP.
The Best Goalkeeper awards went to Nabo Ochieng of Musokoto Secondary and Shamsy Pachanga of Lugari Progressive.
The boys’ Top Scorer award was shared by Mellon Omondi and Tonny Omondi of Vihiga Cranes, Rom Okitwi, Frankline Pual and Calvin Masai of Musokoto Secondary.
In the girls’ category, the award was jointly won by Hanisa Mashasha of Chakol Girls and Lugari Progressive players Lydia Laura, Zipporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir.
With the Western Region finals concluded, the Safaricom Chapa Dimba competition now moves to the Central Region, where the next regional finals will be held on August 29 and 30 at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County.
The national finals will bring together regional champions as they compete for the overall Safaricom Chapa Dimba titles and additional prizes.