Safaricom Chapa Dimba Returns for Fifth Season with Global Exposure and Scholarship Opportunities
Safaricom has officially launched Season Five of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, introducing new talent development pathways, international exposure opportunities, and education support aimed at transforming the future of youth football in Kenya.
The launch, held in Kisumu, marks another milestone for the grassroots football initiative that has become one of the country’s leading youth talent platforms since its inception in 2017.
This season, Safaricom says it is intentionally integrating sports, education, and technology to create broader opportunities for young players across the country.
Top Players to Represent Kenya at Gothia Cup
One of the biggest additions to Season Five is the introduction of a direct pathway to the prestigious Gothia Cup in Sweden.
Under the new structure, an All-Star team comprising 32 outstanding players selected from the tournament will represent Kenya at the global competition, widely recognized as the world’s largest youth football tournament.
The move replaces the international bootcamps that featured in previous seasons and instead focuses on structured international competition and wider global exposure.
Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO of Safaricom PLC, said the initiative aims to build holistic development pathways for young people.
“We are intentionally building pathways that combine sports, education, and technology to empower the next generation. Our goal is not just to develop footballers, but to nurture well-rounded young people who can positively transform their communities and the country,” he said.
150 Players to Benefit from Scholarships
Beyond football development, Safaricom has also expanded the tournament’s education component.
Under the Citizens of the Future programme, 150 outstanding players will receive tertiary education scholarships, reinforcing the company’s broader youth empowerment agenda.
The tournament has also lowered the player age category from 16–20 years to 15–18 years to support earlier talent identification and development into professional football structures both locally and internationally.
According to Safaricom, the revised age bracket aligns with international football development standards and improves opportunities for young players to transition into elite football pathways earlier.
AI and Digital Scouting Take Centre Stage
As part of its technology-driven approach, Safaricom PLC is also deepening the use of advanced scouting technology in grassroots football.
Following the rollout of AI-powered GPS vests in previous seasons, the tournament will now introduce:
- VeO Cameras
- MyScout AI devices
- Digital player profiling systems
The technologies will track:
- Player movement
- Sprint metrics
- Positioning
- Match intensity
- Overall performance
The data collected will help players create digital football profiles accessible to scouts and clubs globally.
“This season, we are taking technology deeper into grassroots football because we believe no talent should go unnoticed,” added Ndegwa.
Tournament to Cover Eight Regions
The tournament will run across eight regions nationwide and follow five competition stages:
- Ward level
- County level
- Inter-county level
- Regional level
- National finals
Registration is currently open for both boys’ and girls’ teams through the official Chapa Dimba platform.
National winners in both categories will each receive KSh 1 million, while additional awards will recognize:
- Most Valuable Player
- Top Scorer
- Best Goalkeeper
County and regional winners will also receive prizes.
Producing Kenya’s Next Football Stars
Since its launch, Safaricom Chapa Dimba has produced several players who now feature in professional football locally and internationally.
Notable alumni include:
- Benson Omalla
- Bryton Otieno
- Jentrix Shikangwa
- Marion Serenge
- Mercy Akoth
Some former participants have also represented Kenya in international tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Ultimately, Safaricom says the initiative continues to evolve beyond a football tournament into a long-term talent development platform designed to shape the future of Kenyan football while expanding opportunities for youth through education, technology, and sport.
