Super Solico from Mwingi and St. Mary’s Nduvea from Makueni have secured their spots in the national finals of the Chapa Dimba na Safarcom youth soccer tournament after winning the Eastern region championships.
In the boys' final, Solico overcame Isiolo Youngsters 4-3 in penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in regular time. St. Mary’s Nduvea triumphed 2-1 against Chuka Starlets in the girls' category. Both teams will compete at the national level in June 2019, with the winners set to receive KSh200,000 in prize money.
Solico coach Bernad Mudachi acknowledged the challenge posed by Isiolo Youngsters, stating, "The nationals will be more competitive, so we expect to improve our game and clinch the title." Isiolo Youngsters' coach Martin Mutembei expressed disappointment over officiating issues but praised his team's first-time regional final appearance, adding, "We will return stronger next season."
Regional semifinal results included Solico defeating Samba Boys 3-2 and Young Stars beating Embu’s Triumph 2-0. St. Mary’s Nduvea advanced after defeating Sakuu Queens 3-0. Award winners received KSh30,000 each, with individual honors going to Robert Ngusywa (Best Boys Goalkeeper), Ibrahim Adisalam (Top Scorer and MVP), Nancy Chepchumba (Best Girls Goalkeeper), Daisy Nduvea (Top Scorer Girls), and Nuru Hensley (Most Valuable Player Girls).
The next regional finals will take place in the Rift Valley from March 23-24, 2019, with the national finals scheduled for June in Meru. Thirty-two top players will also travel to Spain for a 10-day trip.
