The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament is increasingly providing young footballers with opportunities to develop their sporting talent while creating pathways to education and future careers. The programme combines competitive football with talent identification, scholarships and performance tracking, giving promising players an opportunity to pursue their sporting ambitions while building an educational foundation.
This was demonstrated during the Central Region finals held at Wang’uru International Stadium in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, where St Joseph Starlets of Murang’a claimed the girls’ title after defeating Barcelona Rising Starlets 5-1. In the boys’ final, Laikipia Youth Soccer Academy (LYSA) retained the regional crown after edging MASFO Academy 1-0.
Patience Waithera was the standout performer in the girls’ final, scoring four goals as St Joseph Starlets ended Barcelona Rising Starlets’ three-time dominance of the regional competition. Iffy Moraa scored the other goal for St Joseph from the penalty spot.
The victory earned St Joseph Starlets their first Central Region title, while LYSA secured its third regional championship after Patrick Ngaira converted a penalty in the 19th minute to seal victory for his side. The two regional champions each received Sh250,000 and will represent Central Region at the national finals, where the eventual champions are set to receive Sh1 million.
Tournament targets younger talent
Safaricom Mount Kenya General Manager Patrick Mburu said the tournament had lowered its age limit to under 17 years in its fifth edition to give young players more time to develop their abilities. He said beginning talent development at an early age would allow coaches and scouts more time to identify promising players and nurture them towards under-23 competitions and eventually professional football.
“This gives these children a longer period to perfect and nurture their talents,” Mburu said.
The organisers have also linked the tournament to education through the Citizens of the Future programme, under which outstanding players at the national level can benefit from scholarships. Mburu said qualifying beneficiaries would receive support towards university education, ensuring that young footballers have alternative career opportunities even as they pursue professional sporting careers.
Technology strengthens talent identification
Chapa Dimba has also incorporated technology into talent identification, with players using Catapult performance-tracking vests to collect data on their movement and performance during matches. The technology provides coaches and scouts with additional information to help assess players and identify emerging talent based on their performance. Safaricom Brand Director Zizwe Awuor Vundla said the emergence of St Joseph Starlets as regional champions demonstrated the importance of persistence and consistent investment in youth talent.
She said the regional winners would now shift their focus to the national finals, with outstanding players also having an opportunity to join an All-Star team expected to participate in the Gothia Cup.
St Joseph Starlets eye national title
St Joseph Starlets captain Fatuma Bensuda attributed the team’s regional victory to hard work and consistency. She said the players appreciated the opportunity to compete at a high level while benefiting from programmes that support their education.
Bensuda encouraged other young girls interested in football to remain disciplined and committed, noting that talent must be supported by hard work to achieve success. St Joseph coach Joffrey Muteme said qualifying for the national finals had been the team’s target from the beginning.
The tournament’s combination of competitive football, technology-based talent identification and education support is providing young players with a broader pathway beyond the pitch, helping them develop sporting careers while preparing for opportunities in education and employment.
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