More than 380 youth football teams have taken part in this season’s Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region campaign, with only 16 now remaining in the race for regional honours and a place at the national finals.
The eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams will converge in Embu this weekend for the Eastern Regionals, with the champions in each category set to pocket Sh250,000 and represent the region at the national finals early next year.
The three-day competition runs from Friday to Sunday, with quarter-finals scheduled for four venues before the semi-finals and finals at Moi Stadium, Embu.
The tournament has drawn teams from all the eight counties in the Eastern Region, with Meru leading registrations with 81 teams, followed by Machakos with 79.
Marsabit registered 51 teams, Isiolo 50, Kitui 47, Makueni 35, Tharaka-Nithi 21 and Embu 18.
The high participation has provided hundreds of young players with an opportunity to compete at grassroots level while seeking a pathway into higher-level football.
The girls’ quarter-finals will see defending regional champions Syomunyu Queens of Kitui begin their title defence against hosts Royal Queens Academy of Embu at the University of Embu Grounds at 9am.
Syomunyu Queens coach Amos Mulwa said his players were ready to deal with the pressure of defending their title.
“Every team wants to beat the defending champions, but our opponents should know that it will not be a walk in the park. We are determined to retain our crown,” Mulwa said.
Other girls’ quarter-finals will pit Dakabaricha of Marsabit against Bridge Starlets of Isiolo at Embu Showgrounds, while Meru’s Akuune Queens face MCF Starlets of Machakos at Nembure Grounds.
At Kamiu Grounds, AIC Sultan Queens of Makueni will meet Mugona Girls of Tharaka-Nithi.
In the boys’ category, Meru’s Makinduri Rockstars will face SMPI Academy of Kitui at Embu Showgrounds, while MAFA Academy of Isiolo take on Kajiunduthi High School of Tharaka-Nithi at Kamiu Grounds.
Hosts Black Cats Football Academy will face Mbuthani Secondary School of Makueni at Nembure Grounds, while Golden Football Academy of Machakos meet Abdary FC of Marsabit at the University of Embu Grounds.
Black Cats coach Sammy Githinji said home support would provide additional motivation for his players.
“Our goal is to compete for the regional title and ensure the trophy stays in Embu,” Githinji said.
The competition will also offer players and coaches development opportunities away from the pitch, with clinics covering financial literacy, data privacy, mental health and AI-powered vests.
The regional winners in both categories will each receive Sh250,000, while runners-up will pocket Sh150,000.
Individual performers will also have an opportunity to earn recognition and rewards.
The Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in each category will each receive Sh30,000, while the Most Valuable Player will receive Sh30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The quarter-finals will be played on Friday, followed by the semi-finals on Saturday, before the boys’ and girls’ regional champions are crowned at Moi Stadium on Sunday.
