In a spectacular display of skill and determination, Chuka University Scorpions and Syomunyu Secondary School emerged victorious as the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region finals held at Kinoru Stadium on Sunday, December 10.
The headline match saw Chuka University Scorpions from Tharaka Nithi triumph over The Predators from Embu County with a thrilling 4-2 victory in penalty shootouts. Joseph John’s superb strike in the 9th minute set the tone, but Josphat Kimanzi’s 52nd-minute equalizer pushed the game to penalties. In a hotly contested final, the Scorpions showcased their prowess, securing the Eastern Region title.
Sean Opwora, Head Coach of Chuka University Scorpions, expressed his joy, saying, “We are thrilled to emerge as the winners of the Chapa Dimba Eastern regional finals. This is our first time participating in the Chapa Dimba tournament, and winning it is something we take great pride in.”
In another electrifying final, Syomunyu Secondary School from Kitui silenced Chuka University Starlets with a 1-0 thriller. Carol Wakesho’s goal in the 36th minute secured the regional title for Kitui’s side. Despite Chuka Starlets’ efforts, including Weddy Ndereba’s shots hitting the crossbar twice, they couldn’t equalize. Notably, this marks the second time Chuka Starlets reached the finals without clinching the title.
Both the Scorpions and Syomunyu Sec teams pocketed KES. 250,000 each and will represent the Eastern region in the National finals scheduled for early next year. The runners-up, Predators and Chuka University Starlets, received KES. 150,000 each.
The tournament recognized outstanding performers, with the Most Valuable Players (MVP) Molvine Achieng (Syomunyu Sec) and Neddy Moses (The Predators), Best Goalkeepers Faith Wanza (Syomunyu Sec) and Chrispine Macharia (Chuka University), and Top Scorers Lilian Vaati (Syomunyu Sec), Mamo Muhamednoor (Marsabit) and Patrick Vundi (The Predators) each receiving KES. 30,000. In addition to the cash prizes, each player from the winning team received a Neon Ultra phone, while the runners-up players were awarded a Neon Smarter Phone.
The victorious teams join Ebwali FC and Brenda Girls from Western, as well as Obunga FC, Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls), PASC Langa, and Wiyeta Girls from Rift Valley, who have already qualified for next year’s national finals.
