Plateau Queens and Obunga FC win Sh1M each in Chapa Dimba
Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls, emerged as the national champions of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba season four in a match that went down at Jomo Kenyatta, Mamboleo stadium in Kisumu County.
Plateau Queens triumphed over Barcelona Ladies SC with a resounding 4-0 win. Emily Moranga, Swaum Masungo, and Maureen Atieno’s goals sealed their victory, earning them their second national championship crown.
Chrispine Odindo, head coach of Plateau Queens, emphasized the importance of the tournament in nurturing young talents, thanking Safaricom, fans, and players for their support.
“As a team we are more than happy for emerging the champions in this fourth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament. We first lifted the trophy during the inaugural edition and today’s win is a clear mark on how we value this tournament that is geared towards not only just showcasing but nurturing many young talents in this country. I want to thank Safaricom, our fans and my players for making it happen,” said Chrispine Odindo,head Coach Plateau Queens.
In the boys category, Obunga FC, hailing from Kisumu and dubbed ‘The Mighty’, claimed victory in the boys’ category at the packed Jomo Kenyatta, Mamboleo stadium in Kisumu County. Despite a tense 1-1 draw during regular time against Uasin Gishu’s PASC Langa, they secured the title in a post-match penalty shootout, winning 4-2. Dennis Okono’s own goal in the 6th minute gave Obunga FC an early lead, later equalized by Alex Kamadi. Despite adverse weather conditions causing a delay, goalkeeper Williams Odek’s heroic saves secured their victory and the Kes1 million prize.
Read also: Dagoretti Girls, Dandora Young Kings shine in Chapa Dimba
Teamwork
Expressing gratitude, Evans Oketch, head coach of Obunga FC, attributed their success to teamwork, thanking Safaricom for organizing the tournament.
“Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to God for our victory today and for emerging as the national champions. Competing in this tournament for the first time and clinching the national trophy was no small feat. It was a highly intense and challenging game, especially with a big number of fans. I extend heartfelt thanks to Safaricom for organizing such an incredible tournament, and I am immensely grateful to my team and our supporters for believing in us,” said Evans Oketch head coach Obunga FC.
The finalists had secured their spots after rigorous semifinals, with Obunga FC defeating Bandari Youth FC and Plateau Queens overcoming Brenda Girls.
Both champions received Kes1 million and TVET scholarships for each player, while runners-up received Kes500,000. Additionally, semifinalists were awarded Kes250,000 each. Every player, winners, runners-up, and outstanding players received Neon Smartphones.
With the national finals concluded, the All-Star team, comprising the Most Valuable Players, prepares for a two-week football boot camp and training in Spain.
