By GPC Sports Correspondent
Obunga FC, Plateau Queens, Awendo Academy and Sameta High School are among the 12 teams that have secured their places in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals, promising a weekend of high-stakes football at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo.
The regional finals are scheduled for Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, with the 12 county champions from across Nyanza set to battle for regional supremacy.
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The teams earned their tickets after emerging victorious in their respective county finals held over the weekend. Each county champion pocketed KES75,000, while runners-up received KES30,000, alongside other individual awards.
In Kisumu, defending champions Obunga FC survived a tense final against Julu Nyambugu, winning 4-1 on penalties after the match ended goalless in regulation time.
Obunga head coach Evans Oketch credited his players and supporters for helping the side retain its crown and said the team is ready for the challenge of defending its regional title.
“It was not an easy game. Our opponents were tough and pushed us to penalties. I thank my players and the fans for their support in helping us retain the county title,” Oketch said.
He added that the team’s experience in previous Chapa Dimba campaigns, including their trip to Spain last year, would be crucial at the regionals.
“There will be pressure at the regionals as defending champions, but we are ready to fight for the regional crown,” he said.
Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls, continued their dominance in the women’s competition, successfully defending their Kisumu County title for a third consecutive time after a commanding 4-0 victory over Victoria Soccer Academy.
Joan Ogola opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Emily Adhiambo completed a hat-trick to put the champions firmly in control.
Plateau Queens coach Chrispine Odindo said his side will now set its sights firmly on the regional trophy.
“I am really excited to retain this title for the third time. We dominated the game and made sure that we won,” Odindo said.
“For the regionals, we are going for nothing but the trophy. We are ready, as this is one of the tournaments we value a lot,” he added.
In Siaya, Indomitable Soldiers were crowned the new boys’ county champions after edging Real Talent Academy 10-9 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Nyamira Starlets claimed the girls’ title after overcoming Lwak Starlets 6-5 in another penalty shootout.
In Migori, defending champions Awendo Academy retained the boys’ title after beating Korwa Secondary School 1-0, while Oyugi Ogango Girls lifted the women’s trophy after a 3-2 victory over Mukuyu Queens.
Nyaguku FC retained the Nyamira boys’ title for a second time after overcoming Global Junior 4-1 on penalties following a goalless draw.
Masosa Starlets, meanwhile, were crowned the new girls’ champions after defeating Season Four champions 1-0.
In Kisii, Sameta High School clinched the boys’ crown with a narrow 1-0 victory over The Mighty FC, while Otendo Comprehensive Starlets won the girls’ title after beating Omogwa Comprehensive 2-0.
Homa Bay also produced new county champions, with Kendu Muslim and Hedso Queens, also known as Saye Secondary School, claiming the boys’ and girls’ titles respectively.
Kendu Muslim edged Kokwanyo Youth Soccer Academy 4-3 on penalties after a goalless final at Kendu Muslim Primary School Grounds in Kendu Bay.
Hedso Queens secured their first-ever Chapa Dimba county title after coming from behind to defeat Kachar Queens of Rangwe 3-2 on penalties.
The Nyanza Regional Finals will begin with an inter-county playoff before coaches’ and players’ clinics are held as part of the programme.
The competition will then move into the semi-finals and finals at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, where the region’s top young footballers will battle for the coveted regional crown.
