By Dickson Mwiti
Sixteen youth football teams from eight counties in the Eastern Region are set to battle for regional honours during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regionals scheduled for October 2–4, 2026, in Embu County.
The three-day tournament will feature eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams competing for a place in the national finals, with the regional champions in each category set to receive Sh 250,000.
The quarter-final matches will kick off on Friday at four venues: Nembure Grounds, Kamiu Grounds, Embu Showgrounds and the University of Embu Grounds.
The semi-finals will be played on Saturday, while the finals will take place on Sunday at Moi Stadium in Embu.
In the girls’ category, defending champions Syomunyu Queens from Kitui will begin their title defence against hosts Royal Queens Academy from Embu at the University of Embu Grounds at 9 a.m.
Syomunyu Queens head coach Amos Mulwa expressed confidence in his players, saying they were determined to retain their regional title despite the tough competition.
He noted that reaching the regional stage was a major achievement for the team and acknowledged that defending champions often face increased pressure from their opponents.
Mulwa said his team would focus on maintaining its playing system, taking each match as it comes and fighting until the final whistle.
Other girls’ quarter-final fixtures will see Dakabaricha from Marsabit face Bridge Starlets from Isiolo at Embu Showgrounds, while Meru’s Akuune Queens take on MCF Starlets from Machakos at Nembure Grounds.
At Kamiu Grounds, AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni will face Mugona Girls from Tharaka-Nithi.
In the boys’ category, Meru’s Mikinduri Rockstars will play SMPI Academy from Kitui at Embu Showgrounds, while MAFA Academy from Isiolo will face Kajiunduthi High School from Tharaka-Nithi at Kamiu Grounds.
Hosts Black Cats Football Academy will take on Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni at Nembure Grounds, while Golden Football Academy from Machakos will face Abdary FC from Marsabit at the University of Embu Grounds.
Black Cats Football Academy head coach Sammy Githinji said playing at home had motivated his team to work towards winning the regional title.
Githinji acknowledged the pressure of competing before home supporters but maintained that his players were ready for the challenge, with their sights set on keeping the trophy in Embu.
Beyond football, players and coaches will participate in development clinics focusing on financial literacy, data privacy, mental health and the use of artificial intelligence-powered vests.
The tournament will also offer individual awards, with the Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in each category set to receive Sh 30,000 each.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will also receive Sh 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The runners-up in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive K
Sh 150,000, while the regional champions will represent Eastern Region at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba National Finals scheduled for early next year.
According to Safaricom, a total of 382 teams registered for this season’s Eastern Region campaign, comprising 272 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.
Meru County recorded the highest participation with 81 teams, followed by Machakos with 79, Marsabit with 51, Isiolo with 50, Kitui with 47, Makueni with 35, Tharaka-Nithi with 21 and Embu with 18.
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent while equipping them with essential life skills and opportunities for further development.
