The fifth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament officially begins this weekend with county playoffs in Busia, Bungoma, and Vihiga counties. Matches start on Saturday, July 27, as teams compete for spots in the county finals scheduled for Sunday, August 2.

The competition, which spans across all Kenyan regions, aims to uncover young football talent aged 15 to 18 through multiple stages—from county to regional and national levels. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed highlighted the use of Safaricom’s GPS vest technology to track player performance in real time, enhancing talent identification.

Venues and Defending Champions

  • Busia County Finals: Malaba Primary School
  • Bungoma County Finals: Bungoma High School
  • Vihiga County Finals: Chavakali Boys’ High School

Vihiga’s Ebwali Boys, last season’s county and Western regional champions, will defend their title starting with a semifinal against Box Fourteen Hotstars. Other reigning county champions include Brenda Girls from Bungoma and Chakol Girls from Busia, all aiming to secure places in the Western Regional Finals at Mumias Sports Complex later this month.

Competition Scale and Rewards

Registrations have surged to over 3,100 teams nationwide this season, reflecting the tournament's growing popularity and talent pool. The Western region alone attracted 521 teams from Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties.

County champions will each receive Ksh 75,000 while runners-up get Ksh 30,000. Individual awards include Ksh 10,000 prizes for Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player. The MVP will also earn a fully funded tertiary education scholarship through the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

Pathways Beyond the County Finals

Winners from the county finals will advance to the Western Regional Finals later this month. Exceptional players may be selected for an All-Stars team to represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, providing international exposure and opportunities with scouts and professional clubs.

Since its inception in 2017, Safaricom Chapa Dimba has become a premier grassroots football development platform, producing talents now active in local leagues and beyond, while also promoting education and personal growth for young athletes.