Kisumu’s Obunga FC and Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls, are the Safaricom Chapa Dimba season four national champions.Roared on by their vocal fans who completely packed the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County, ‘The Mighty’ Obunga FC clinched the title in the boys’ category after defeating Uasin Gishu’s PASC Langa 4-2 on a post-match penalty shootout, following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time. Dennis Okono (PASC Langa) gifted Obunga FC a 6th-minute lead when he deflected George Ogutu’s cross into his own net. A few minutes before the end of the first half, a rainstorm began, causing a delay in the start of the second half. With the pitch waterlogged, the players found the going tough after the restart. In the 76th minute, an error by Obunga FC’s goalkeeper, Williams Odek, allowed Alex Kamadi to score an equaliser, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Each team then pushed on for a win but all went in vain and the match ended at 1-1in regular time. Odek turned from villain to hero when he saved two penalties to ensure Obunga FC claimed national supremacy and the Ksh 1 million shilling prize money.“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 large number of fans. I extend heartfelt thanks to Safaricom for organising 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.Nyakach Girls obliterate Barcelona Ladies In the girls’ category, the Nyanza region reigning champions and the season one national champions, Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls), secured their second national championship crown after beating Barcelona Ladies SC from Laikipia County 4-0. Plateau Queens kept the Barcelona goalkeeper busy all through the first half and their efforts were rewarded six minutes before halftime when Emily Moranga opened the scoring with a powerful left foot shot after an assist by Swaum Masungo.A minute into the second half, a throw from Emily Moranga was headed goalwards by Swaum Masungo and eventually headed into their own net by Barcelona’s Pauline Pierae. In the 56th minute, Maureen Atieno got the crowd on their feet when she scored an acrobatic goal following an assist by Emily Moranga to make it 3-0. With just two minutes left on the clock, speedy winger Swaum Masungo scored the fourth goal, securing a resounding 4-0 victory for the Plateau Queens.“As a team, we are more than happy to emerge as 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 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, Plateau Queens head coach.Obunga FC had stormed into the finals after defeating Bandari Youth FC from Mombasa 2 nil, as PASC Langa had secured a slot into the finals after beating Western’s regional champion, Ebwali Boys, 4 nil in the semifinals played on Saturday. Judith Okumu: Following in the footsteps of football greatnessMeanwhile, Plateau Queens had sailed through to the finals after defeating Brenda Girls from Bungoma County 5-1 in the semifinals. On the other hand, coach Wafula Gullit’s Barcelona Ladies SC, who were representing the Central Region, had made it to the finals after edging out Trans Nzoia-based and Rift Valley giants, Wiyeta Girls, 2-1.The national champions (both Obunga FC and Plateau Queens) have pocketed Ksh 1 million in cash each, as well as TVET scholarships for each player. The runners-up, PASC Langa FC and Barcelona Ladies SC, each took home KES 500,000.The four semifinalists (Ebwali Boys, Bandari Youth FC, Brenda Girls, and Wiyeta Girls) were also awarded Ksh 250,000 each.In addition to the prize money, each player, both winners and runners-up, also got Neon Smartphones, the first locally assembled 4G smartphone in Kenya.The outstanding players, including the Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player (boys and girls), each received Ksh. 50,000.With the national finals done and dusted, the All-Star team, comprised of the Most Valuable Players (MVPs), now prepares to head to Spain for a two-week football bootcamp and training.
