The Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza County Finals take centre stage this weekend, with action set for Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September.
Teams will battle for county honours, with the winners advancing to the regional finals.
Nyanza regional and national defending champions Obunga FC and Plateau Queens, popularly known as Nyakach Girls, will be looking to retain their county crowns as they lead the charge in this year’s county finals.
The two champions will be aiming to kick off their title defence in style, but face a strong field of teams determined to claim county glory and progress to the next stage of the competition.
Speaking after the match, Chrispine Odindo, Head Coach of Plateau Queens, said the team’s strong performances in the school games had given them confidence ahead of their Chapa Dimba title defence.
“We have had a good season, particularly in the school games, and we are now focused on reclaiming our Chapa Dimba title. After finishing second at the nationals and competing at the East African School Games in Tanzania, we are well prepared for the challenge.” Said Chrispine Odindo, Head Coach, Plateau Queens.
He added that the team was fully aware of the expectations that come with being defending county, regional and national champions, and was determined to rise to the occasion.
“As the defending county, regional and national champions, we know what is at stake, and my girls are fired up and determined to defend our title,” said Chrispine.
Six Counties Set for Action as Homa Bay Opens Weekend
The county finals will be played across six counties including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Nyamira and Kisii.
Weekend action will kick off with county semi-finals in the morning, followed by the finals in the afternoon.
On Saturday, the action will be in Homa Bay, where Hedson Queens takes on Magina Starlets in the opening girls’ semi-final, before Kachar Queens face Kaswanga Girls Secondary School.
In the boys’ category, Kendu Muslim will face Ravers of the Sea, while Kokwanyo Youth Soccer Academy will battle Nyalkinyi FC at Kendu Muslim Primary School.
Read More: St. Joseph Starlets Murang’a End Five-Season Wait for Safaricom Chapa Dimba Regional Crown
Defending Champions Lead County Battle
Sunday’s spotlight will shift to defending boys’ champions Obunga FC as they begin their title defence against Nyatao FC, while Olando FC take on Julu Nyambagu FC in the other boys’ semi-final.
Meanwhile, two-time regional champions Plateau Queens, led by Chrispine Odindo, will face Nyawan Queens, while Victoria Queens take on RK FC Queens at Kisumu Polytechnic Ground.
Elsewhere in Siaya, Mobimba Stars will face Indomitable Soldiers, while BrightKick Football Academy takes on Real Talent Academy in the boys’ semi-finals.
On the girls’ side, Nyamira Starlets from Bondo will face Ravens FC at Nyilima Sports Grounds, while Lwak Starlets battle Siwar Queens FC.
Migori Champions Eye Another Title
In Migori, defending county champions Awendo Academy will begin their title defence against St. Joseph School Ntimaru at Awendo Green Stadium.
Meanwhile Korwa Secondary School take on Senye Secondary School.
In the girls’ category, Kehancha Secondary School will face Oyugi Ogango Girls, while Mukuyu Queens take on Rabondo Starlets.
Kisii and Nyamira Teams Battle for County Honours
In Kisii, Small Simba will meet Sameta High School, while Shabana Youth take on The Mighty FC at Kisii School Playground in the boys’ category.
The girls’ semi-finals will see Otendo Comprehensive face Maagonga Junior Starlets, while Omogwa Comprehensive take on Mobamba Queens.
In Nyamira, another defending county champion, Nyaguku FC, will be out to retain its crown when it faces Tombe Junior Stars, while Global Juniors FC welcome Menyenye All-Stars at Kuura Primary Grounds.
The girls’ fixtures will see last edition’s county champions Lowland Starlets seek to defend their title against Masosa Starlets at Kuura Grounds.
Winners to Take Home Ksh. 75,000
Weekend county finals will offer teams more than just bragging rights, with winners set to pocket Ksh. 75,000, while runners-up will receive Ksh. 30,000.
Individual excellence will also be recognised, as the Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) in each category will each receive Ksh. 10,000.
MVPs will further earn full educational scholarships through Safaricom’s Citizen of the Future initiative.
All six county winners will advance to the Nyanza Regional Finals, where they will compete for regional honours and a place at the national stage.
