Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens were crowned Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional champions after commanding victories in the finals played at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu on Sunday.

Awendo Academy produced the biggest statement of the day, thrashing Siaya’s Indomitable Soldiers 4-0 to claim their maiden regional title. The Migori-based side, coached by Dennis Otondi, were inspired by a superb hat-trick from Kevin Mukaramoja.

Mukaramoja opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a stunning free-kick before doubling the advantage five minutes later. Rayce Ochieng added a third in the 77th minute, with Mukaramoja completing his hat-trick in the final minute of regulation time to cap a memorable afternoon for Awendo.

The triumph marked a major turnaround for Awendo, who had lost to Obunga FC in last season’s regional final. This time, they went all the way and secured Migori’s first Nyanza regional title.

“I want to thank God for bringing us this far. To our fans who believed in us and walked this journey with us, we are so grateful. Last season, we lost to Obunga in the final, but today we are happy to take this regional trophy to Migori for the first time. The task is not yet over, as our aim is to win the national trophy,” said Otondi.

Plateau Queens were equally dominant in the girls’ final, defeating Homa Bay’s Hedso Queens 4-0 to retain their regional crown for a third consecutive time.

Beryl Awuor, Emily Adhiambo, Joan Agola and Velma Auma were on target as the Kisumu side maintained their grip on the regional competition. The result further underlined Plateau’s dominance, with the team also heading into the national finals as defending national champions.

“We are happy to defend our title for the third time. It has not been easy, but we have managed. I also want to thank my girls for their dedication and the effort they have put in to ensure that we retain this title,” said Plateau coach Chrispine Odindo. “As we head to the national finals, we are determined to retain the title.”

Both finalists had earlier negotiated tough semi-final ties. Awendo defeated Kendu Muslim 1-0, with Mukaramoja scoring the decisive goal after connecting with Shaban Quimba’s cross. Indomitable Soldiers then stunned defending regional and national champions Obunga FC 1-0, Nelson Warambo scoring in the 28th minute to send the Siaya side into the final.

Plateau Queens were ruthless against Masosa Starlets, cruising to an 8-0 victory. Adhiambo scored a hat-trick, while Awuor netted twice, with Melda Akinyi, Agola and Elizabeth Alpine also finding the net. Hedso Queens completed the girls’ final line-up after beating Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0, with Khadija Furaha scoring twice alongside goals from Michele Achieng and Saumu Chizi.

The regional triumphs came with significant rewards, with Awendo and Plateau Queens each receiving KSh 250,000 and tickets to represent Nyanza at the National Finals scheduled for early next year. Runners-up Indomitable Soldiers and Hedso Queens took home KSh 150,000 each.

Individual performers were also recognised. Awendo’s Chris Georgian and Plateau’s Valarie Achieng were named Best Goalkeepers, while Mukaramoja and Adhiambo claimed the Top Scorer awards. The MVP prizes went to Indomitable Soldiers’ Alex Ouma and Plateau’s Imelda Akinyi. Each individual award winner received KSh 30,000, with the two MVPs also earning fully funded tertiary education scholarships under Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future Programme.

Safaricom Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali praised the quality of talent displayed during the regional competition, noting that scouts were present to identify promising players.

“We have witnessed amazing talent here in Kisumu, and I would say the future of Kenyan football is bright,” Ali said, adding that the initiative aims to continue identifying, nurturing and showcasing young talent.

Awendo and Plateau now join Central Region champions St. Joseph Starlets and LYSA, as well as Western Region winners Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive, in the National Finals.

With the Nyanza leg now concluded, the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5 caravan moves to the Eastern Region, where the regional finals will be staged in Embu.