The Safaricom Chapa Dimba football tournament in Vihiga County concluded on Saturday, with Ebwali Boys and Madira Girls winning the boys and girls categories, respectively.
They each took home Ksh 75,000 and secured a spot in the Western regional finals.
Ebwali Boys’ High School defeated Bunyore Assassins 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw at Mumboha Stadium in Luanda.
Ebwali goalkeeper Nelson Angayia, 17, was the hero as he saved two penalties and watched two more miss the target.
He said the win was a morale booster after they were eliminated from the county school games.
“The game today was really tough, facing a stiff challenge from our rivals, Bunyore Assassins, especially considering that we had just come from the county school games where we were knocked out,” said Nelson Angayia, goalkeeper Ebwali Boys
“Most of the players had not yet fully recovered from the loss, but we thank today’s victory has revived our hope as we now turn our focus to the regional final.”
Girls Category
Madira Girls, the Soccer Assassins, edged out Maroon Queens 1-0 in a tight contest.
The only goal of the game was scored by Valary Nekesa, who thanked her coach, teachers, and Safaricom for their support and the opportunity to showcase her talent.
“I am happy for our team’s victory, which has come a long way to secure a ticket to represent Vihiga County at the Western Region finals. This is our first time participating in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament,” Said Valary Nekesa, top scorer Madira Girls.
The runners-up, Bunyore Assassins and Maroon Queens received Ksh 30,000 each.
The best goalkeeper, top scorer, and most valuable player in both categories were awarded Ksh 10,000 each and a TVET scholarship from the Safaricom Foundation.
“After today’s victory, we are now focusing on the regional finals that will be held in Bukhungu. Our aim is to have many of our players from the All-Star team that will go to Spain for the football boot,” said Mr. Francis Muhambe, head coach of Madira Soccer Assassins.
Western Regional finals
The Vihiga finals will be followed by Busia, Kakamega and Bungoma County finals on the weekend of 12th and 13th August. The county winners will compete in the Western Regional finals at Bukhungu Stadium later in the month.
The Western region tournament kicked off in June at the ward level with 441 teams participating. Kakamega had the highest number of teams with 162, followed by Bungoma (152), Busia (64), and Vihiga (63).
