Makumi sets eyes on Eastern region Chapa Dimba title

Boniface Makumi, head coach of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Eastern region first edition girls’ champions Ngaakaa Talent Centre of Makueni is upbeat his charges will reclaim their title in the weekend’s finals at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The seasoned tactician is brimming with confidence his side will replicate their Southern branch good form during the regional finals as they eye to win their second title after missing out last year.

Ngakaa will face Chuka champions Chuka University in the second semi-final from 12pm on Saturday and Makumi is optimistic the girls’ title will remain in Makueni County for the third time. Their compatriots St. Mary’s Ndovea won the second edition last year.

“Basing on our performance during branch finals, we are ready to reclaim our title and go all the way to represent Eastern Region at the nationals. We’ve had good build ups and no injuries in my squad so far,” he said.

In the other girl’s semi-final, Isiolo Queens face Mabuu of Moyale from 8am.

In the boy’s contest, newcomers Tumaini School of Makueni will play Moyale’s Biashara FC starting 10am while Meru Central champions Black Panther will take on St. Daniel of Chuka in the second semi final from 2pm.

The 2019 champions Super Solico from Kitui and St. Mary’s Ndovea of Makueni were both eliminated at the grassroots, paving way for new winners to be crowned at this year’s third edition.

The two-day event will be preceded by life skills and mentorship clinics for the players on Friday February 7.

The regional winners will receive a cash reward of Sh. 200,000 each and a chance to represent the region in the tournament’s national finals set for June. The runners- up will also pocket Sh. 100,000 each plus multiple prizes.

Already, North Eastern’s Berlin FC from Garissa and Coast region’s Yanga FC from Malindi and Kwale Ladies and Central’s Falling Waters FC and Ulinzi Youth have booked their spots for the national finals where Sh. 1million grand prize is up for grabs

An all-star team comprising of 32 boys and girls will at the end of the regional finals be selected to attend a 10-day training camp in Spain where they will play top Spanish La Liga Football Academies.

This season, two coaching and scouting clinics conducted by certified La Liga coaches are featuring in the tournament. The first one was held in Mombasa and the next clinic is set for February 22 and 23 in Nairobi.