Chapa Dimba: Winning start for defending champions Kapenguria Heroes

Part of the action between Kapenguria Heroes and Gor Mahia Youth. The defending champions beat Gor Mahia Youth 1-0 courtesy of Steve Manjuma's first half goal at the Woodley Grounds on September 15, 2018. PHOTO | DAVID KWALIMWA |

What you need to know:

  • The second edition of the grassroots football tournament will be held across the country in the next seven months
  • FKF has promised to absorb those that stand out in the junior national football teams
  • Safaricom and LaLiga have mapped out a plan to ensure they get a lifetime opportunity to train and play in some of the best football academies in the world based in Europe

Holders Kapenguria Heroes commenced their defence of their Chapa Dimba na Safaricom title in the best possible fashion, defeating Gor Mahia Youth by a solitary goal at the Kibera Woodley grounds on Saturday.

Steve Manjuma scored the lone goal of this well-attended game in the opening half, even as Gor Mahia Youth, which is the feeder club for the Kenyan Premier League champions, had to do without three dependable players include Steve 'Kante' Odhiambo who lacked identification documents.

Moments after the final whistle, giant telecommunications firm Safaricom partnered with Football Kenya Federation and Spain’s top flight football competition – famously referred to as LaLiga – to launch the second edition of this grassroots football tournament which will be held across the country in the next seven months.

And there was exciting news for the competing players, all of whom are aged between 16 and 20.

FKF has promised to absorb those that stand out in the junior national football teams, whilst Safaricom and LaLiga have mapped out a plan to ensure they get a lifetime opportunity to train and play in some of the best football academies in the world based in Europe.

“When we launched the first edition of this tournament (last year), we promised to offer young, gifted footballers a platform to showcase their talent,” said FKF president Mwendwa.

“We kept our promise with 13 players from season one getting the chance to join the U-20 team. Several players have signed up by the local leagues for both men and women. We are looking forward to unearthing even more talent in season two.”

Charles Kare who is Safaricom’s Acting Director, Consumer Business Unit added:

“As you know, LaLiga is home to some of the best footballers in the world including five-time world player of the year Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezman and Luka Modric. The all-star team selected (from this competition) will get a chance to attend a 10-day training camp in Spain and also play a few friendly games against the world’s best Spanish LaLiga academies.”

“If the talent on show today is anything to go by, then LaLiga certified coaches will be in for a tough time selecting the all-star team that will travel to Spain.," added Gregory Bolle, Head of Global Partnerships and Marketing, LaLiga. 

Plateau Queens (girls) and Kapenguria Heroes (boys) won last year's titles. This feat not only earned each team Sh1 million in prize money but also an opportunity to fly to London and meet and train alongside Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.

Over 1500 teams are expected to take part in this competition, with the winning men and ladies sides each pocketing Sh1 million.