When Safaricom Chapa Dimba returns with registration for a new edition, few stories capture the true impact of the tournament better than that of young Gor Mahia left back Brighton Onyona.

Born on June 24, 2005, in Kibiri Ward, Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, Onyona’s journey from grassroots football to becoming one of Kenya’s most exciting young defenders is a testament to the power of talent identification and opportunity.

Before the bright lights of the FKF Premier League, Onyona honed his skills at Kotiang’a United FC after rising through the ranks at Oriwo High School in Homa Bay County. His potential was evident early, especially during the Talanta Tournament where he featured for HomaBay County and helped the side emerge champions.

But it was the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament that changed everything.

Onyona caught national attention after a series of outstanding performances that saw him crowned Kisumu County Most Valuable Player (MVP). The tournament became the perfect stage for the youngster to showcase his talent to scouts and coaches across the country.

According to FKF NEC member Kalee Collins, who was among the talent identifiers involved in the Talanta Tournament, Onyona’s journey was carefully nurtured from the grassroots.

“We had a discussion with Amos Ochieng, who comes from Homa Bay and was then Obunga FC coach, on taking Bryton Onyona to Chapa Dimba, another platform to showcase the talent, with a plan of taking him to Gor Mahia. We also spoke with the chairman of Gor Mahia to send scouts to track the boy and see the talent,” said Collins.

Collins Kalee, who previously served as Gor Mahia Youth Team Manager, believes Onyona’s story perfectly reflects the purpose of youth tournaments.

“Brighton Onyona is a beautiful story of talent we saw and got the platform to showcase his ability.”

After his impressive Chapa Dimba displays, Onyona briefly featured for Gor Mahia Youth before earning promotion to the senior team. Initially viewed as an understudy in a position occupied by experienced defenders Geoffrey “Simiti” Ochieng and later Mohammed Siraj, few expected the teenager to break into the starting lineup so quickly.

However, fate had other plans. At the start of the 2025/26 season, injuries to both senior left backs handed Onyona an opportunity. He stepped into the team during Gor Mahia’s opening match against Bidco United. Despite Gor Mahia losing the game, Onyona delivered a man-of-the-match performance that immediately impressed head coach Charles Akonnor.

From that moment, he never looked back. The youngster went on to establish himself as one of Gor Mahia’s most reliable performers, playing a key role in the club’s successful 2025/26 FKF Premier League title-winning campaign.

One of his standout moments came during the Mozzart Cup quarter-final clash against Kariobangi Sharks last year, where he produced another MOTM display as Gor Mahia secured a 2–0 victory. His brilliance earned him a Ksh. 100,000 award from tournament sponsors Mozzart Bet.

His rapid rise has also earned recognition at the national level. Onyona recently received a late call-up to the Harambee Stars squad under coach Benni McCarthy for friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal.

Yet even with the growing fame, the roots of his success remain firmly tied to Chapa Dimba.

His stellar performances during the competition earned him a place in the Chapa Dimba All-Stars Team that toured Spain in December 2024. The exposure and experience further elevated his game, while Safaricom also awarded him a scholarship.

Today, Onyona is regarded as one of the country’s finest young left backs and is already being tipped as a strong contender for Kenya’s AFCON squad next year.

As registration opens for a new edition of Safaricom Chapa Dimba, Onyona’s journey stands as proof that the tournament is more than just football , It’s a platform that transforms dreams into reality.

For thousands of young Kenyan footballers preparing to register, the next success story could be waiting to emerge.

Registration link: https://chapadimba.safaricom.co.ke/registration/