Obunga FC and Plateau Queens of Kisumu County have been crowned this year’s fourth edition of Safaricom Chapa Dimba champions by trouncing opponents Awendo Academy (Migori) and Victoria Sports Academy (Siaya) 2-0 and 4-3, respectively.
Obunga opened the scores in the 40th minute for the home side when their captain converted a penalty kick, leaving the Awendo goalkeeper side-footed and their adoring fans, who had thronged the Moi Stadium.
The Migori-based defenders had brought down menacing Obunga striker Duncan Omalla in the penalty box after receiving a superb pass from George Ogutu. Awendo began the match in blistering form and rued several chances they missed as they searched for an early goal.
Buoyed by their fans, the Amos Ochieng-led team extended their lead five minutes later when Greg Masavi neatly tucked in a fine shot into the net.
“We knew that our opponents had a good run in the tournament, and following our coach’s instructions paid off. We also thank our fans for their tremendous support,’’ Obunga’s goalkeeper, John Otieno, said during the post-match interview.
In the pulsating girls’ final match pitting Plateau Queens and Victoria Sports Academy, the game ended 1-1 after regular time. Queen’s captain Velma Awuor gave his side the lead in the 13th minute, which was equalised by Victoria’s Olivia Odhiambo in the 25th minute.
Queens stamped their authority to seal the win through penalties, with their goalkeeper saving one shot and the other fired above the top goal bar by the opponents.
Kisumu Central MP, Hon. Dr. Joshua Oron, ex-Harambee Stars tactician Jacob Ghost Mulee, and local members of the County Assembly and FKF Regional officials graced the football bonanza finals.
Winners took home Shs. 250,000, while runners-up were awarded Shs. 150,000.
Queen’s Saumu Masungo won the girls’ Golden Boot, while Obunga’s Duncan Omalla and George Ogutu shared the award of Shs. 30,000. Queen’s and Obunga goalkeepers won the Golden Gloves.
The soccer fiesta’s Most Valuable Players were bagged by Velma Awuor and George Ogutu of Plateau Queens and Obunga FC, respectively, receiving Shs. 30,000 plus a Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) Scholarship.
Dubbed the Cheza Kama Wewe, the Safaricom Foundation’s noble initiative since 2017 has been able to identify and nurture the talents and skills of young people aged between 16-20 in grassroots football.
By Rolex Omondi
