Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive Take Western Region Honours in Safaricom Chapa Dimba
The road to the Safaricom Chapa Dimba national finals is getting hotter, with Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive emerging as the latest regional champions.
The two teams booked their places at the national finals after winning the boys’ and girls’ titles respectively at the Western Region finals held at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, on Sunday.
Vihiga Cranes secured the boys’ crown with a narrow 1-0 victory over Busia’s Musokoto Secondary School.
The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when Tonny Omondi rose to meet Luke Ramsey’s corner and headed the ball into the net.
For Vihiga Cranes coach Francis Muhambe, the victory was especially meaningful after previously winning the regional title with Ebwali Boys.
“It was a tough and closely fought match,” said Muhambe, adding that the team would now turn its attention to the national finals.
A Penalty Shootout Decides the Girls’ Final
The girls’ final provided even more drama.
Lugari Progressive, also known as Archbishop Njenga Girls, battled Busia’s Chakol Girls to a goalless draw in regular time before edging them 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
Coach Fred Serenge credited his players for keeping their composure throughout the contest.
“It wasn’t an easy game, but I want to congratulate my girls for working hard, staying focused and fighting until the end,” he said.
The victory also marked a rewarding comeback for the team after missing out on the national school games in Tanzania.
Serenge said he had turned his attention to Chapa Dimba, a decision that has now earned the team a regional title and a ticket to the national stage.
KSh 250,000 and More Up for Grabs
Both regional champions walked away with KSh 250,000 each, alongside smartphones and airtime.
Musokoto Secondary School and Chakol Girls, who finished as runners-up, each received KSh 150,000, as well as smartphones and airtime.
Individual performances were also recognised during the finals.
The Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer awards in both categories came with KSh 30,000, while the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) received KSh 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
Hanifa Mashasha of Chakol Girls was named the girls’ MVP, while Elvis Ogiro of Musokoto Secondary took the boys’ award.
The Best Goalkeeper prizes went to Nabo Ochieng of Musokoto Secondary and Shamsy Pachanga of Lugari Progressive.
The girls’ Golden Boot was shared by Hanisa Mashasha of Chakol Girls and four Lugari Progressive players: Lydia Laura, Zipporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir.
In the boys’ category, Mellon Omondi and Tonny Omondi of Vihiga Cranes shared the top scorer award with Musokoto Secondary’s Rom Okitwi, Frankline Pual and Calvin Masai.
Next Stop: Kirinyaga
With the Western Region champions now confirmed, attention shifts to the next stage of the competition.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba will head to Central Region for its next regional finals on August 29 and 30 at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County.
For Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive, however, the work is far from over. The two teams now have the national finals in their sights, carrying with them the hopes of their counties and the momentum of hard-fought regional victories.
The fifth edition of Safaricom Chapa Dimba continues to give young footballers a platform to compete, develop their talent and chase opportunities beyond the pitch.
