Lugari Progressive Set to Defend Chapa Dimba Title in Kakamega
Lugari Progressive will begin their title defence this weekend as the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County Finals head to Bukhungu Stadium.
The defending champions, popularly known as Bishop Njenga, will face Bushili Queens in the first girls’ semi-final. The second semi-final will see The Phoenix Mukumu take on Red Commandos.
The winners of the two matches will advance to the county final and compete for the Kakamega title.
Boys’ Semi-Finals Set for Action
The boys’ competition will see Shamberere face Holy Cross Injira Senior School in the first semi-final.
Mumias Vipers will then take on Green Buffaloes for the second spot in the county final.
Lugari Progressive Academy head coach Fred Serenge believes his team is ready to defend its title despite a short recovery period.
“We are fresh from the National School Games, where we finished third. We are also the defending Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County champions and the reigning Western Region school games champions,” said Serenge.
“We only have two days to prepare for the weekend matches, but we will use the experience we gained at the school games to ensure we retain our county title.”
Winners to Advance to Western Regional Finals
The Kakamega County Finals come a week after county championships in Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga.
The winners will join Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School from Busia, Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos from Vihiga, and Terem FC and Elgon Queens from Bungoma.
The teams will compete at the Western Regional Finals on August 15 and 16 at Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma.
Cash Prizes and Scholarships Up for Grabs
The winning boys’ and girls’ teams will each receive KES 75,000, while the runners-up will take home KES 30,000 each.
Individual awards will also be presented. The Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both categories will each receive KES 10,000.
The tournament’s Most Valuable Player will receive KES 10,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and a monthly upkeep stipend at a public tertiary institution in Kenya.
Players Eye International Opportunity
Outstanding players from the tournament will also have an opportunity to join an All-Stars team representing Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden.
The tournament will give the young players a chance to compete against international talent and gain exposure to scouts, academies and professional clubs.
