MAFA Academy and MSF Starlets were crowned Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region champions after impressive victories in the boys’ and girls’ finals held at Moi Stadium in Embu County on Sunday.
MAFA Academy from Isiolo County produced a dominant display in the boys’ final, thrashing Mkinduri Lockstar from Meru County 8-0 to claim the regional title for the first time.
MAFA had earlier booked their place in the final after a convincing 6-1 victory over Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni in the semi-final.
Mkinduri Lockstar reached the final following a 2-1 win over Golden Football from Machakos, but they were unable to match MAFA’s attacking strength in the championship clash.
In the girls’ category, MSF Starlets from Machakos County defeated hosts Royal Queens Academy of Embu 3-1 to lift the Eastern Region title.
MSF Starlets had secured their place in the final after edging AIC Sultan Queens of Makueni 1-0, while Royal Queens Academy booked their final spot with a 2-1 victory over Dakabaricha Secondary from Marsabit.
The regional champions walked away with a trophy, Sh250,000 and smartphones, while the runners-up received a trophy, Sh150,000 and smartphones.
Individual awards also came with Sh30,000 and trophies for the Most Valuable Player, top scorer and best goalkeeper.
MAFA Academy coach Ibrahim Abdisalan attributed his team’s success to months of preparation, discipline and dedication.
“I am very happy with the performance of my boys. This victory is a result of the hard work, discipline, dedication and focus they have shown throughout our preparations,” said Abdisalan.
MSF Starlets coach Abednego Ancent described the victory as a rewarding experience for his players and said the team was now setting its sights on bigger achievements at the national level.
Meanwhile, Safaricom Sales Manager Martin Chere urged young players to maximise their sporting talent, revealing that some participants had already attracted the attention of national teams, including Harambee Starlets.
Chere also disclosed that technology had been incorporated into the tournament to help identify and analyse outstanding players.
According to him, special technology fitted into the players’ jerseys was used to track their performances.
Teams that excel at the national finals will also have an opportunity to travel to Sweden, where they will interact with international players and gain exposure to opportunities beyond Kenya.
The Eastern Region champions will now represent the region at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba National finals, scheduled for early next year.
