By KPC Sports Reporter
Defending champions Obunga FC and Plateau Queens will be under pressure to live up to their billing this weekend as the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza County Finals kick off across the region.
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The two sides, who are also the reigning Nyanza regional champions, will begin their title defences on Sunday as teams battle for county honours, prize money and a ticket to the regional finals.
The county finals will be staged in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Nyamira and Kisii on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6. The action will begin with semi-finals in the morning before the county finals take place in the afternoon.
In Homa Bay, Saturday’s girls’ semi-finals will see Hedson Queens face Magina Starlets before Kachar Queens take on Kaswanga Girls Secondary School.
In the boys’ competition, Kendu Muslim will meet Ravers of the Sea, while Kokwanyo Youth Soccer Academy face Nyalkinyi FC at Kendu Muslim Primary School.
Sunday will see the spotlight shift to defending champions Obunga FC, who will launch their title defence against Nyatao FC. Olando FC will face Julu Nyambagu FC in the other boys’ semi-final.
In the girls’ competition, two-time regional champions Plateau Queens, popularly known as Nyakach Girls, will face Nyawan Queens, while Victoria Queens take on RK FC Queens at Kisumu Polytechnic Ground.
Plateau Queens coach Chrispine Odindo said his team was ready for the challenge after a strong season in school football.
“We have had a good season, particularly in the school games, and we are now focused on reclaiming our Chapa Dimba title,” said Odindo.
The coach said the team’s experience at the national and East African school games had prepared them for the competition.
“As the defending county, regional and national champions, we know what is at stake, and my girls are fired up and determined to defend our title.”
In Siaya, Mobimba Stars will face Indomitable Soldiers, while BrightKick Football Academy take on Real Talent Academy in the boys’ semi-finals.
The girls’ competition will see Nyamira Starlets from Bondo face Ravens FC at Nyilima Sports Grounds, while Lwak Starlets meet Siwar Queens FC.
In Migori, defending county champions Awendo Academy begin their title defence against St Joseph School Ntimaru at Awendo Green Stadium, while Korwa Secondary School face Senye Secondary School.
The girls’ semi-finals will pit Kehancha Secondary School against Oyugi Ogango Girls and Mukuyu Queens against Rabondo Starlets.
In Kisii, Small Simba will face Sameta High School, while Shabana Youth take on The Mighty FC at Kisii School Playground. The girls’ semi-finals will see Otendo Comprehensive meet Maagonga Junior Starlets, with Omogwa Comprehensive facing Mobamba Queens.
Nyamira will also see defending county champions Nyaguku FC begin their title defence against Tombe Junior Stars, while Global Juniors FC take on Menyenye All-Stars at Kuura Primary Grounds.
In the girls’ category, last edition’s county champions Lowland Starlets will face Masosa Starlets at Kuura Grounds as they seek to retain their crown.
Beyond the battle for county supremacy, the tournament offers significant financial and individual rewards. County winners will pocket KSh75,000, while runners-up will receive KSh30,000.
The Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) in each category will each receive KSh10,000. The MVPs will also earn full educational scholarships through Safaricom’s Citizen of the Future initiative.
The six county winners will progress to the Nyanza Regional Finals, where they will battle for regional honours and a place at the national finals.
With defending champions eager to retain their crowns and ambitious challengers looking to knock them off their perch, the Nyanza County Finals promise a weekend of high-stakes football.
