CDM Emmanuel from Kangari and St Joseph Starlets have been crowned the boys’ and girls’ champions respectively at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season Five Murang’a County Finals, securing their places at the upcoming Central Regional Finals.
The county competition reached its climax at Makuyu Boys and Gakoigo Stadium, where teams battled through a competitive knockout stage for the chance to represent Murang’a at the regional level.
CDM Emmanuel produced one of the most impressive performances of the tournament on their way to the boys’ crown, registering a commanding 5-1 victory over Fine Touch Academy Kiharu in the quarter-finals at Gakoigo Stadium.
Nginda All Stars also advanced to the semi-finals in style, thrashing Mugumo-ini Academy 6-1 in the other quarter-final.
The semi-finals produced contrasting contests. Nginda All Stars were held to a goalless draw by Githundi Elites before securing a place in the final through a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.
CDM Emmanuel, meanwhile, continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Shaolin Soccer to set up a final showdown against Nginda All Stars.
The championship match proved to be a closely fought affair, but CDM Emmanuel eventually prevailed 3-2 to lift the Murang’a County title and complete a memorable campaign.
In the girls’ competition, St Joseph Starlets emerged as champions after negotiating a challenging field that included Nginda Girls, one of the established forces in the region’s women’s football.
Their county triumph earns St Joseph Starlets the opportunity to test themselves against the best teams from across Central Region.
The county champions were rewarded with Ksh. 75,000 each, custom trophies and recognition for their outstanding performers. The runners-up in both categories received Ksh.30,000.
The Murang’a champions now turn their attention to the Central Regional Finals, where they will meet county champions from Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Laikipia.
Giakairu FC and Karatina Homequinz will represent Nyeri after winning their respective county finals, while the remaining county representatives will join them in Mwea for the regional showdown at Wang’uru Stadium.
The regional stage carries even greater rewards, with the winners set to receive Ksh. 200,000 and earn a place at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba National Finals.
At the national level, the stakes will rise further, with the overall champions set to battle for Ksh. 1 million and an opportunity to attend a fully funded training camp in Spain.
For CDM Emmanuel and St Joseph Starlets, the Murang’a title is therefore only the beginning. Having conquered their county, both sides will now look to carry their momentum into the Central Regional Finals scheduled on 29th and 30th at Wang’uru stadium in Kirinyaga.
