Football fans in Embu are set for a packed day of action as the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regional finals bring together some of the region’s top young talent at Moi Stadium today.
Isiolo’s MAFA Academy will face Meru’s Mikinduri Rock-Star FC in the boys’ final, while hosts Royal Queens Academy take on Machakos’ MCF Starlets in the girls’ showdown.
The winners in both categories will pocket Sh250,000 and book their place at the national finals, while runners-up will receive Sh150,000.
MAFA Academy reached the boys’ final in emphatic fashion, thrashing Makueni’s Mbuthani Secondary School 6-1 in the semi-final.
Zakir Mohammed scored a hat-trick, Daud Abdullahi added two goals and Abdijabar Hashim completed the rout, while Dennis Mwamu scored Mbuthani’s consolation.
MAFA coach Ibrahim Abdisalan credited his players’ discipline and adherence to their game plan.
“They stuck to our game plan, which was to possess the ball and be tactical. This is our first time playing Chapa Dimba, and reaching this stage means a lot to us and the people of Isiolo,” Abdisalan said.
The coach, who is himself a product of Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season Two, said his side was determined to take the trophy to Isiolo.
Mikinduri Rock-Star earned their final berth after coming from behind to beat Machakos’ Golden Football Academy 2-1.
Golden took the lead through Bramuel Owuor in the 21st minute and held the advantage at half-time before Mikinduri responded after the break.
Alex Musa levelled in the 70th minute before Vincent Muchui struck the winner in the 80th minute.
In the girls’ competition, MCF Starlets edged Makueni’s AIC Sultan Queens 1-0, with Rose Mwende scoring the decisive goal.
They will face hosts Royal Queens Academy, who booked their final place with a 3-1 victory over Marsabit’s Dakabaricha Secondary School.
Justa Mwende and Miriam Nduku scored for Royal Queens, while Emmaculate Moraa pulled one back for Dakabaricha.
MCF Starlets coach Abednego Matata expects a tough contest against the hosts.
“It wasn’t easy as we missed many chances. Our focus now shifts to tomorrow’s game. I know it won’t be easy as we face the hosts, but we are determined to win and take this trophy to Machakos,” Matata said.
Beyond the team prizes, individual performers will also have an opportunity to walk away with cash awards and recognition.
The Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both categories will each receive Sh30,000, while the Most Valuable Player will also pocket Sh30,000 and earn a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The finals will be preceded by a curtain-raiser between Safaricom staff and Embu-based media, with Sh40,000 at stake for the winners.
Fans will also watch an exhibition match between 3K FC and Kenya Police FC as the regional finals combine competitive football, talent development and entertainment at Moi Stadium.
