Lugari Progressive, Green Buffaloes Crowned Chapa Dimba Kakamega Champions
Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes have been crowned the girls’ and boys’ champions respectively in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County Finals.
The two teams will now represent Kakamega County at the Western Regional Finals scheduled for August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kanduyi, Bungoma.
Lugari Progressive Retain Girls’ Title
Lugari Progressive, popularly known as Archbishop Njenga Girls, successfully defended their Kakamega County title for the fifth consecutive time after beating long-time rivals Red Commandos, also known as Butere Girls, 3-0 on penalties.
The final ended goalless in regular time, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to find the back of the net. Red Commandos came closest to breaking the deadlock when an effort struck the crossbar late in the match.
The game went to a penalty shootout, where Lugari Progressive held their nerve. Goalkeeper Shamsi Pachanga emerged as the hero after saving two penalties, while another Red Commandos effort went wide.
“Retaining the county title for the fifth time in a row is not easy. Butere Girls were really tough, and I will personally admit they gave us a run for our money,” said Lugari Progressive head coach Fred Serenge.
“It is a good team, and this is not the first time we are meeting in the finals, but I thank God we managed to win. Going to penalties is something I did not expect, but I always trust my goalkeeper, and she made us proud by saving two penalties.”
Serenge said the team would now focus on the regional finals as they seek to make Kakamega proud.
Green Buffaloes Win Maiden Boys’ Title
In the boys’ final, Green Buffaloes of Khwisero claimed their maiden Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County title after defeating Holy Cross Injira Senior School 2-1.
Green Buffaloes took the lead through Moses Muruka, who finished a well-delivered corner from Peter Mukolwe.
They doubled their advantage before half-time when Augustine Khakali turned the ball into his own net.
Holy Cross Injira Senior School fought back in the second half, with Ransley Nasiali pulling one goal back. Green Buffaloes, however, held firm to secure a historic victory.
“We are really excited. It is the first time we are lifting the Safaricom Chapa Dimba County trophy,” said Green Buffaloes head coach Ian Omukuba.
“Last year, we were knocked out in the round of 16, but this year we came prepared and my boys delivered.”
Omukuba acknowledged the pressure from Holy Cross in the second half but said his team was ready for the regional competition.
“I know in the regionals we are going to face the best of the best from other counties, but we are ready for it. We are going for the win and will make sure Kakamega County takes the regional trophy,” he said.
Regional Finals Next
Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes will now represent Kakamega County at the Western Regional Finals on August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kanduyi, Bungoma.
They will join other county champions from the region. These include Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School from Busia, Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos from Vihiga, and Terem FC and Elgon Queens from Bungoma.
The two Kakamega county champions each received KES 75,000, while runners-up Red Commandos and Holy Cross Injira Senior School received KES 30,000 each.
Top Players Receive Awards
The county finals also recognized outstanding individual performances.
Walles Oweingaya and Shamsi Pachanga were named the Best Goalkeepers in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.
Moses Muruka and Ziporah Wanyonyi won the Top Scorer awards. Wanyonyi was also named the Girls’ Most Valuable Player, while Atanas Ombasa was named the Boys’ MVP.
Each award winner received KES 10,000.
Wanyonyi and Ombasa will also receive fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The scholarships will support their continued education as they pursue their next steps beyond the football pitch.
