By Alex Njeru
Kajiunduthi High and Mugona Girls emerged as the boys’ and girls’ champions respectively in the Chapa Dimba county finals in Tharaka Nithi, earning a place in the Eastern Region finals.
The two teams were among county champions crowned across the Eastern Region over the weekend as young footballers battled for county honours and an opportunity to compete at the regional level.
Kajiunduthi High will represent Tharaka Nithi in the boys’ category, while Mugona Girls will carry the county’s hopes in the girls’ competition.
The county champions in both categories received Sh75,000 each, while runners-up pocketed Sh30,000, alongside individual awards.
The Eastern Region finals will be held on October 2 and 3 in Embu, bringing together the top boys’ and girls’ teams from eight counties.
The competition featured teams from Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Machakos, Kitui and Makueni.
In Embu, Black Cats Football Academy were crowned boys’ champions after thrashing Ishiara Bright Academy 8-1, while Royal Queens Academy won the girls’ title following a 7-0 victory over Ishiara Bright Starlets.
Golden Football Academy claimed the boys’ title in Machakos after beating Masii Boys 4-1 on penalties following a goalless draw. MCF Starlets won the girls’ title after edging Kibauni Ladies 1-0.
In Kitui, SMPI Academy defeated Mwingi Junior Academy 3-0 to win the boys’ title, while Syomunyu Queens beat ISAA Queens FC 3-0 in the girls’ final.
Makinduri Rockstars and Akuune Queens were crowned boys’ and girls’ champions respectively in Meru.
In Isiolo, MAFA FC and Bridge Starlets took the boys’ and girls’ titles, while Abdary FC won the boys’ title in Marsabit, with Dakabaricha Girls taking the girls’ crown.
FKF National Coordinator Oliver Kiptoo congratulated the county champions and all the teams that participated in the finals.
“The level of competition and talent witnessed across the counties has been encouraging, and we are pleased to provide young footballers with a platform to showcase their abilities and compete at a higher level,” said Mr Kiptoo.
He said the organisers were looking forward to the Eastern Region finals, where the county champions will compete for regional honours.
The county finals provided a platform for emerging footballers to showcase their talent and battle for an opportunity to progress to the regional stage.
The Eastern Region finals will bring the county champions together on October 2 and 3 in Embu, with the teams seeking to secure regional honours and progress further in the tournament.
