Eight teams set for Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western finals

The fifth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament moves to the Western Regional Finals this weekend at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma. Eight teams, divided into four boys' and four girls' squads, will compete on August 15 and 16 for the regional title.

In the girls' category, host Elgon Queens of Bungoma will face Lugari Progressive from Kakamega in the opening semi-final. The second girls' match features defending champions Chakol Queens from Busia against Blue Commandos of Vihiga. Lugari Progressive head coach and former Kenyan international Fred Serenge noted that his squad is injury-free and prepared to improve on last season's 2-1 final loss to Brenda Girls.

The boys' semi-finals will see Terem FC of Bungoma take on Vihiga Cranes, followed by a match between Green Buffaloes of Kakamega and Musokoto Secondary School from Busia. Vihiga Cranes head coach Francis Muhambe, who previously led Ebwali Boys to a regional title, expressed confidence in his team following their Vihiga County victory.

Winners of the semi-finals will compete in the Sunday finals. The champions in both the boys' and girls' categories will earn Sh 250,000 and a spot in the National Finals, while runners-up will receive Sh 150,000. Individual prizes include Sh 30,000 each for the top scorer and best goalkeeper in both categories. The Most Valuable Player will receive Sh 30,000 and a tertiary education scholarship through the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

This regional stage follows competition across Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and Kakamega. In the Western region, 521 teams participated, including 340 boys' teams and 181 girls' teams. Kakamega had the highest participation with 214 teams, followed by Bungoma with 160, Busia with 79, and Vihiga with 68. Nationally, the tournament saw 3,178 teams register, with the Season 5 All-Star team set to represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden.