Chakol Queens, JOSS emerge Busia Chapa Dimba champions
Busia County Secondary Schools’ ladies and boys champions Chakol Queens from Teso South Sub County and John Osogo Secondary School (JOSS) from Bunyala, were on Saturday crowned Busia County ladies and boys Safaricom Chapa Dimba soccer champions respectively.
Chakol Girls Secondary, which represented the county at the regionals of the secondary school games in Kakamega that ended recently were declared new champions in the fourth edition of the tournament after beating Kingandole Queens 4-1 in the finals played at Otimong Primary School ground.
Chakol Queens, who were participating in the Western regional league, stunned their opponents with a first minute goal through Maximilla Apio, whose close range shot caught Kingandole goalkeeper Immaculate Anyango napping.
Unperturbed by the early setback, Kingandole, which dominated regional secondary school games in previous years before they went into oblivion, levelled the score two minutes later through Phozy Achieng to bring life into the game that was officiated by National Super League referee Stephen Ndiacha assisted by Duncan Omondi and Henry Agona.
The tide changed in Chakol Queens’ favour, as they took charge of the match with the defence marshalled by stopper Melisa Amusolo foiling attacks from Kingandole centre forwards, including Namaron Halima, and Veronica Ikwara.
With 22 minutes into the first half, Chakol took the lead with Maryline Tata, making it 2-1 before Abigael Ilukor struck the third goal three minutes later to take a 3-1 lead at the break in the match watched by Football Kenya Federation National Executive Committee Member in charge of Youth football Mr Amimo, FKF Busia Branch chairman Hillary Musundi, Members of the County Assembly Denzel Musumba (Chakol South), Ken Rupia (Nambale) and Chapa Dimba organisers from Nairobi and the County.
The half-time peptalk paid off dividends for the winners with Lilian Achom netting the third goal in the 49th minute to seal any hopes the Nambale side had in coming back into the game that saw Chakol strikers miss gilt edge chances. Their victory earned them a cash award of Kes75,000 with Kingandole receiving Kes30,000.
In the boys’ category, JOSS took top position after beating Busia County Zone B League champions Teens of Hope from Nambale Sub County 1-0 in a thriller-a-minute encounter that was officiated by Henry Agona. The lone goal was scored by Evans Siande in the 31st minute. The winners received Kes75,000 and runners-up Kes30,000
Melisa Amusolo of Chakol Queens emerged the Most Valubale player to receive an award of Kes10,000 and TVET scholarship from Safaricom. Joy Ajalet, also from Chakol and Phozy Achieng of Kingandole, emerged joint top scorers with six goals apiece. They shared Kes10,000.
Amusolo thanked Safaricom for the sponsorship, noting that the victory was worth celebrating. He added that their focus was now on capturing the regional title that will kick off in Kakamega starting August 26, warning their opponents of their desire to progress to the national finals.
Head coach Kaliya Anthony said he was happy with the win, exuding confidence that they are ready for the regionals and emerge victorious.” Injuries at the regional school games saw us fail to qualify for semi-finals losing to Archbishop Njenja and Madira, noting that they have now what it takes to capture Chapa Dimba regional title.”
Kingandole Captain Melvin Judith thanked God despite the loss, adding that they ran out of steam that saw her teammates lose hope early. Despite their disqualification at the county level of the school games, she promised a come-back in next year’s games.
Head coach Amos Jack said the team played well but lost. “We accept defeat, will shall strive to beat our worthy opponents Chakol at whatever tournament we shall meet next time.”
In the boys’ category, Douglas Lumumba from JOSS took the most valuable player award of Kes10,000 and TVET scholarship. Stephen Otwane of Teens of Hope emerged top scorer with seven goals to his credit to receive Kes10,000 while JOSS’s Nakhande Morgan took the best goalkeeper award to carry home Kes10,000 cash award.
FKF Busia Branch chairman Hillary Musundi, the brain behind the organisation of the tournament, thanked Safaricom for sponsoring the event to showcase their talents. He offered to convene a meeting of coaches to encourage them to pursue further courses in order to reduce cheating that was witnessed in the just ended secondary school games.
“Coaches should embrace discipline and honesty and above all polish players in order to get a good team instead of going for mercenaries, which can risk the jobs of principals when their schools are sent packing despite progressing in the tournament,” he said.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba is a national football tournament for male and female youths aged between 16 and 20. It aims at transforming young people’s lives by giving them a platform to showcase their talents and opportunity to earn from their passion.
Reporting by John Ojianji
