MAFA Academy from Isiolo County and MSF Starlets from Machakos County were crowned champions in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region soccer tournament on Sunday, with MAFA securing the boys’ title and MSF the girls’ trophy. The finals, held at Moi Stadium in Embu County, saw MSF Starlets defeat host team Royal Queens Academy 3:1, while MAFA Academy overwhelmed Mkinduri Lockstar 8:0 in a decisive boys’ final. Both winners received Sh. 250,000, smartphones, and a chance to compete in the national finals, with runners-up earning Sh. 150,000 and similar prizes. The tournament, which included semi-final matches on Saturday, highlighted the teams’ preparation and competitive spirit, with MSF advancing after a 1:0 win over AIC Sultan Queens and MAFA’s 6:1 semi-final victory over Mbuthani Secondary School.
MAFA Academy coach Ibrahim Abdisalan credited the boys’ triumph to months of rigorous training, emphasizing discipline and focus, while MSF Starlets’ coach Abednego Ancent described the win as a reward for the team’s humility and effort. Both coaches expressed ambitions to compete at the national level, with Ancent noting the experience had imparted valuable lessons. Abdisalan highlighted the team’s dedication, stating, “This victory is a result of the hard work, discipline, dedication, and focus they have shown throughout our preparations.” The success of the teams has drawn attention from national selectors, with Safaricom Sales Manager Martin Chere noting that some players have already been identified by major teams like Harambee Starlets.
Safaricom integrated technology into the tournament to identify top performers, with players wearing jerseys equipped with tracking devices to analyze performance metrics. Chere emphasized the initiative’s role in connecting talented athletes with national and international opportunities, including a potential trip to Sweden for top-performing teams. “The teams that perform well at the national level will have an opportunity to travel to Sweden, meet international players, and learn from them,” he said. The tournament also featured individual awards, including Sh. 30,000 for the most valuable player, top scorer, and best goalkeeper, underscoring its focus on holistic development. Chere encouraged young athletes to leverage their talents, stating, “I want to encourage young people to use their talents well,” as the event continues to bridge grassroots soccer with professional pathways.
The victory of MAFA Academy and MSF Starlets underscores the growing prominence of regional soccer development in Kenya, with Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba initiative fostering talent and community engagement. The tournament’s emphasis on technology and national exposure aligns with broader efforts to elevate Kenyan football. Meanwhile, unrelated local developments, such as a food donation to 1,000 vulnerable households in Nyamira County and an artist’s appeal for support in Eldoret, highlight the diverse impact of community initiatives. As the winners prepare for the national finals, their achievements reflect the intersection of sport, opportunity, and regional pride.