BY KNA’S Moses Wekesa
Mwitoti boys came from behind Lugusi boys to lift the Kakamega County Safaricom Chapa Dimba soccer tournament championship through penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Lugusi opened with 2 goals during the first half before Mwitoti equalized the two goals during the second half of the match forcing penalties where Mwitoti scored 5 against Lugusi’s 4.
For the Girls, Lugari Progressive eliminated Kakamega Starlets 4-0 to be crowned County Champions.
Mwitito Boys and Lugari Progressive received a cash reward of Sh75 000 each with runners up, Lugusi Boys and Kakamega Starlets getting Sh30 000 each.
The County Champions, Mwitoti Boys and Lugari Progressive will proceed to the Western Regional Safaricom Chapa Dimba Championships to be held between August 26 and 27 at Bukhungu Stadium.
They will be pitted against meet Madira Soccer Assassins girls and Ebwali Boys from Vihiga County, Compel Sporttiff and Brendah FC from Bungoma County, and Chakol Queens and John Osogo from Busia County.
The regional champions for both boys and girls will walk away with Sh250 000 with the first runners up pocketing Sh150 000.
Regional Champions will then proceed to the National Championships where the winner will get Sh1 million with the runners-up getting Sh500 000 tokens from Safaricom.
Safaricom will also award two teams that will lose at the semis during the National Championships Sh250 000 each. By the end of the Chapa Dimba Championships this year, Safaricom would have spent over Sh20 million on the tourneys.
The National Champion will then proceed to Spain for a training boot camp with clubs that participate in Laliga.
During the County Competition in Kakamega on Sunday, the two best players received Full Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sponsorship in addition to a cash reward.
Elizebeth Mideva from Lugari Progressive and Brian Lumbasi from Mwitoti Boys emerged as the Most Valuable Players (MVP) during the tournament, receiving a cash reward of Sh10 000 each and a full TVET sponsorship from Safaricom.
Faith Ogolla and Shariff Muramba received a Golden Boot reward of Sh10 000 each.
Lugari Progressive Captain Marion Serenge said they will enhance their training ahead of the regional championships.
“As captain, I help my team with advice, give them morale and prepare them for the game psychologically,” she added.
Lugari Progressive coach Fred Serenge said they are determined to win at the regionals having lifted the county trophy in 2018, 2019, and this year.
Chapa Dimba has groomed players and changed their lives for instance Benson Omalla who participated in the tournament in 2019, was scouted, and currently plays for Gor Mahia with links to Orlando pirates in South Africa.
Judith Osimbo who emerged as the best goalkeeper during 2019’s Chapa Dimba Tournament, receiving Sh50 000 reward, invested the money in an income-generating project of chairs and tents which she rents out as a side hustle. Harambee starlet forward Gentrix Shikangwa was also picked from Chapa Dimba and now plays for China’s Super League Beijing Beikong Women Football Club
Timothy Juma from the current Chapa Dimba is set to Join Migori Youth.
Kakamega Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman Allan Muhando said Kakamega is a football hub thanking Safaricom for the tournament which has enabled youth to be active and given them platforms to showcase their talents.