The road to next year’s Safaricom Chapa Dimba national finals narrows this weekend as 16 of Eastern Region’s top youth football teams descend on Embu, with regional supremacy, prize money and a coveted ticket to the national stage at stake.
The three-day tournament, running from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, will feature eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams representing all eight counties in the region, with the champions in both categories earning the right to represent Eastern at the national finals early next year.
The quarter-finals will be played on Friday at Nembure Grounds, Kamiu Grounds, Embu Showgrounds and University of Embu Grounds before the semi-finals take centre stage on Saturday. The regional champions will be crowned on Sunday at Moi Stadium, Embu.
Defending girls’ champions Syomunyu Queens of Kitui face an immediate test of their title credentials when they meet hosts Royal Queens Academy at the University of Embu Grounds at 9:00 a.m.
Girls’ quarter-final fixtures:
- Royal Queens Academy (Embu) vs Syomunyu Queens (Kitui) – University of Embu Grounds, 9:00 a.m.
- Dakabaricha (Marsabit) vs Bridge Starlets (Isiolo) – Embu Showgrounds
- Akuune Queens (Meru) vs MCF Starlets (Machakos) – Nembure Grounds
- AIC Sultan Queens (Makueni) vs Mugona Girls (Tharaka-Nithi) – Kamiu Grounds
Syomunyu coach Amos Mulwa says his players understand the pressure that comes with being defending champions but remain focused on retaining their crown.
The boys’ quarter-finals will follow at 11:00 a.m., with hosts Black Cats Football Academy also chasing home glory.
Boys’ quarter-final fixtures:
- Makinduri Rockstars (Meru) vs SMPI Academy (Kitui) – Embu Showgrounds.
- MAFA Academy (Isiolo) vs Kajiunduthi High School (Tharaka-Nithi) -Kamiu Grounds.
- Black Cats Football Academy (Embu) vs Mbuthani Secondary School (Makueni) – Nembure Grounds.
- Golden Football Academy (Machakos) vs Abdary FC (Marsabit) – University of Embu Grounds.
Black Cats coach Sammy Githinji believes home support can provide his players with an added push as they seek to keep the regional trophy in Embu.
The tournament will also provide opportunities for players and coaches to develop skills away from the pitch through clinics covering financial literacy, data privacy, mental health and AI-powered vests.
The Eastern Region champions in both categories will pocket Ksh. 250,000 each, while runners-up will receive Ksh. 150,000. The winners will also secure qualification for the national finals.
There will be further rewards for individual performers, with the top scorer and best goalkeeper in each category receiving Ksh. 30,000. The MVP will also take home Ksh. 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship through the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The competition has drawn strong grassroots participation this season, with 382 teams registering across the eight counties. Meru leads with 81 teams, followed by Machakos with 79, Marsabit 51, Isiolo 50, Kitui 47, Makueni 35, Tharaka-Nithi 21 and Embu 18.
With only one weekend standing between the contenders and the Eastern Region crown, Embu is set for a decisive showcase of the region’s emerging football talent.
