Making dreams come true with Safaricom Chapa Dimba
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba football tournament transforms young lives by providing a platform to showcase their talent and earn from their passion. Celebrating youth potential, the event unites the best young footballers from across Kenya to compete, grow and inspire each other.
Season four of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament highlighted the importance of nurturing young athletes to help them achieve their aspirations. Launched in 2017, the tournament invites Kenyan youth, both male and female, aged 16 to 20 to participate. More than 3 350 teams from across Kenya took part in season four, totalling more than 60 350 players.
Empowered by technology
Safaricom integrated AI-powered GPS sports vests to enhance player performance and broaden scouting opportunities in the latest Chapa Dimba season. The technology enabled local and international scouts to evaluate players using globally recognised metrics.
The vests track various performance metrics such as total distance covered, sprint distance, distance per minute, top speed, power plays, power score, impacts, player load, work ratio and energy expended, providing comprehensive data to support player development and comparison.
Notable statistics include Hilda Natechu from Lugari Progressive in the Western region, who was the fastest girl in the tournament at 32.1km/h, and Daniel Wesonga from Dagoretti Lions in Nairobi, who was the fastest boy at 34.85km/h.
Furthermore, 1 034 players now have digital football profile reports, which they can share with scouts from across the country, making the scouting process more objective and seamless.
Electric atmosphere at the finals
In a display of skill, determination and community spirit, season four of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament culminated in a double duel during the National Finals in April. With stunning prizes on offer, including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to an international training camp, the gifted youngsters had everything to play for.
Leading the charge in the boys’ competition were Obunga FC from Kisumu, known as “The Mighty”, while Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls) from Nyanza, the season one national champions, emerged as national champions in the girls’ category. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, cheering their teams to victory.
The boys’ final: a battle of wits and grit
Obunga FC’s journey to glory was marked by resilience and tactical prowess. A sudden rainstorm during the final delayed the second half, creating challenging conditions for both teams. In the end, a penalty shootout saw Obunga FC secure a 4-2 victory to clinch the national boys’ title.
Head Coach Evans Oketch expressed his joy and gratitude: “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 such 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,” he added.
The girls’ final: a dominant display
In the girls’ category, Plateau Queens showed why they are a force to be reckoned with. The reigning Nyanza region champions and season one national champions faced off against Barcelona Ladies SC from Laikipia County. Plateau Queens dominated the match, securing a decisive 4-0 victory.
Their coach, Chrispine Odindo, was elated with the win. “As a team, we are more than happy to emerge as champions in this fourth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament,” he said.
“Today’s win is a clear mark on how we value this tournament, which is geared towards not only showcasing but also nurturing many young talents in this country. I want to thank Safaricom, our fans and my players for making it happen.”
Awards and recognition
Both Obunga FC and Plateau Queens were awarded Ksh1 million in cash and technical vocational education and training (TVET) scholarships for each player. The runners-up, PASC Langa FC and Barcelona Ladies SC, each took home Ksh500 000. The semi-finalists, Ebwali Boys, Bandari Youth FC, Brenda Girls and Wiyeta Girls, were awarded Ksh250 000 each.
Additionally, each player, including the winners and runners-up, received Neon smartphones, the first locally assembled 4G smartphone in Kenya. Outstanding players, including the best goalkeeper, top scorer, and Most Valuable Player (boys and girls), each received Ksh50 000.
Beyond the pitch
Safaricom Chapa Dimba is more than just a football tournament – it’s a platform for deep engagement with communities across various regions, through health, economic empowerment and technological initiatives.
M-Pesa Foundation partnered with Zuri Health to offer free medical services across 12 counties within the eight regions, significantly impacting the well-being of local communities. More than 30 950 people benefited from the free medical check-ups, free physician consultation, eye and dental check-up, blood sugar test, blood pressure and cancer screening, among other services.
This initiative not only showcased the commitment of Safaricom to improving healthcare accessibility but also highlighted the importance of community-based health programmes. By bringing these services directly to the people, especially in underserved areas, the project played a crucial role in elevating public health standards and awareness across the regions it covered.
The Safaricom Foundation, in support of education and talent development, offered 150 TVET scholarships for county-level MVPs and national winning teams, underlining the commitment to not just nurturing talent on the field but also to providing educational opportunities off the field.
Free digital and financial literacy training was provided to over 4 270 boda boda riders (couriers), vendors, small business operators, shopkeepers, and other Safaricom customers in the region. The main aim was to impart knowledge that fosters a culture of saving and enhances preparedness for credit and investment opportunities among Kenyans.
Through Safaricom’s innovative youth platform S-Hook, we empowered the Gen Z demographic during Chapa Dimba tournaments by leveraging on Safaricom’s extensive mobile network to enhance their engagement with the youth through technology, careers and culture.
For a better shared future
During the Chapa Dimba tournaments, various scouts and coaches from Football Kenya Federation attended the grassroots games to identify outstanding players with the aim of building feeder systems for the Kenyan football leagues nationwide, as well as for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Star team.
Seven players have been scouted from season four to play in national football clubs in the Kenyan Football League, while seven others were scouted to play in the Kenya under-17 national team.
The All-Star team, comprising the best boy and best girl from each region, will attend an international training boot camp. The best boy and best girl overall will also receive an international scholarship and placement in a youth football team.
