Bomet-based Cheptalal FC has emerged victorious in the South Rift Region Cheza Dimba tournament, achieving a significant milestone in the ongoing Tujiamini Initiative that seeks to identify and nurture sports and sports-related talent in the grassroots.
Cheptalal FC bagged a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Narok Town Stars FC, to walk away with a 3-year sponsorship deal worth Sh250,000 annually while also securing a much-coveted spot in the nationwide Tujiamini Initiative Cheza Dimba tournament.
Cheptalal FC took an early lead when Benson Mutai scored in the opening minute, announcing their intentions towards victory right from the start.
The match intensified a notch after Simon Karanja levelled the scores for Narok Town Stars FC in the 27th minute, managing to hold onto the draw all through regular time. However, it was Cheptalal FC who ruled the day when Davies Kiprono netted the decisive goal in stoppage time.
Speaking after the match, team captain Elius Kipng’eno expressed joy in the victory, acknowledging his team’s bravery in confronting what he said was a very challenging opponent.
“Knowing that we were facing a tough opponent, we renewed our focus in the final moments of the match, which turned out to be the crucial game changer. This sponsorship win is a welcome silver lining for both the team and players considering the many challenges we have faced in the pursuit of success as a community club,” said Kipng’eno.
SportPesa’s Mercy Kabui, speaking after handing over the rewards to the winners, reaffirmed the gaming firm’s dedication to supporting grassroots and community sports, highlighting the invaluable exposure gained by the players through initiatives such as Tujiamini.
“Through tournaments such as Cheza Dimba, young players who are the stars of tomorrow get to test and develop their skills even as they pursue their individual and collective growth. We are therefore encouraged and excited to be part of these success stories by providing the much-needed support, however small, for community clubs,” she stated.
Felix Ekisa, the Narok Town Stars FC team captain, although disappointed, expressed confidence and renewed vigour in the club’s pursuit towards growth and development in the wake of the loss.
“I know that my team is a force to reckon with. We trained well ahead of the tournament, but our opponents also came well prepared, which we noticed right from the start. Although we managed to stem their advances in the match, it wasn’t enough to give us victory.”
The tournament in the South Rift Region boasted one of the highest numbers of entries with 170 applications, demonstrating a strong but needy talent base in the regions.
The winning spirit trickled down to the fans, who pocketed cash rewards worth Kes 10,000 through the Bronze Kwa Ground award.
Cheptalal FC’s supporters stole the show with the highest fan turnout among the participating teams, while Johnson Mungai nailed the crossbar challenge for an individual win.
The Tujiamini initiative heads to the Coastal region, where even more community teams will get a chance to apply for a place in the penultimate Cheza Dimba tournament.
By Ian Chepkuto
