Nyanza Crowns New Football Kings: Awendo and Plateau Queens Dominate Chapa Dimba!
Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens have been crowned champions of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals, securing their spots in the National Finals. Awendo dominated the boys' category with a 4-0 win, while Plateau Queens defended their girls' title for the third consecutive time. Both teams received significant prize money and individual accolades, including scholarships for MVPs.
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals concluded over the weekend at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, crowning Awendo Football Academy from Migori as the boys' champions and Plateau Queens from Kisumu County as the girls' champions.
Both teams delivered impressive performances, securing their places in the National Finals scheduled for early next year.
In the boys' final, Awendo Football Academy, under the guidance of head coach Dennis Otondi, showcased a dominant display against Indomitable Soldiers from Siaya, securing a commanding 4-0 victory.
The star of the match, Kevin Mukaramoja, who netted a spectacular hat-trick. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a free kick and doubled the lead just five minutes later, giving Awendo a 2-0 advantage at halftime.
Rayce Ochieng further extended their lead in the 77th minute, before Mukaramoja completed his hat-trick a minute before the final whistle, sealing the emphatic win.
Coach Otondi expressed profound gratitude, stating, "Last season, we lost to Obunga in the final, but today we are happy to take this regional trophy to Migori for the first time. The task is not yet over, as our aim is to win the national trophy."
Awendo Football Academy reached the final by defeating Kendu Muslim 1-0, while Indomitable Soldiers had edged out regional and national defending champions Obunga FC with a 1-0 win.
The girls' contest saw national defending champions Plateau Queens from Kisumu County assert their authority with a decisive 4-0 triumph over Homa Bay-based Hedso Queens.
This victory marked their third consecutive regional title retention. The goals for Plateau were scored by Beryl Awuor, Emily Adhiambo, Joan Agola, and Velma Auma.
Head Coach of Plateau Queens, Chrispine Odindo, remarked on their success, "We are happy to defend our title for the third time. It has not been easy, but we have managed... As we head to the national finals, we are determined to retain the title."
Plateau Queens had previously overpowered Masosa Starlets 8-0 in their semi-final, and Hedso Queens secured their spot in the final by seeing off Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0.
In recognition of their stellar achievements, both Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens were awarded Sh250,000 each, along with individual prizes such as smartphones and airtime.
The runners-up, Indomitable Soldiers and Hedso Queens, each received Sh150,000. Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Valarie Achieng of Plateau Queens and Chris Georgian of Awendo Football Academy named Best Goalkeepers.
The Top Scorer awards went to Emily Adhiambo of Plateau Queens and Kevin Mukaramoja of Awendo Football Academy. Imelda Akinyi of Plateau Queens and Alex Ouma of Indomitable Soldiers were honored as the Most Valuable Players (MVPs).
Each individual winner received Sh30,000, and notably, both MVPs were granted fully funded tertiary education scholarships under Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future Programme.
Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens now join other regional champions – St. Joseph Starlets and LYSA from the Central Region, as well as Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive from the Western Region – in preparing for the National Finals.
The Nyanza finals event also featured an exhibition match between Equator Boys of Maseno School and City Boys of Kisumu Boys High School, where City Boys emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
With the Nyanza Regional finals concluded, the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament now moves to the Eastern Region, with the finals scheduled to take place in Embu.
This competition continues to serve as a vital platform for young footballers aged 14 to 17, enabling them to showcase their talent, compete at high levels, and explore diverse opportunities both on and off the pitch.