By Aoma Keziah,
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars Team is set for their international training camp in Spain. The team currently camping at Ligi Ndogo Grounds and will depart Nairobi on Sunday evening, 8th December, for Huesca, Spain, where they will participate in a week-long football training camp.
The All-Star team consists of 32 players 16 boys and 16 girls, scouted from across the country during the eight regional finals held in Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Eastern, Coast, Central, North-Eastern, and Nairobi.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO, said that at Safaricom, we believe in creating opportunities.
“We believe in creating opportunities that empower young people to showcase their talents on global stages. Through this trip, we aim to provide these 32 young boys and girls with a unique and unforgettable experience, offering them the chance to engage with and learn from world-class football professionals. As they embark on this journey, I extend my best wishes to them.” Said Ndegwa.
Zizwe Awuor ,head of brand and marketing at Safaricom, highlighted that Safaricom Chapa Dimba has been running for 4 seasons, and this season 4 had the highest engagements.
“Season 4 was anchored on three main areas: Competition, Talent Development and Community engagements. It had the highest engagements registering 3,353 teams and 60,354 players from across the country. Competition.The tournament was played in Ward level, County level, Inter- County level, Regional level, and National level. The national champs each took home KES 1M, The runners-up KES 500,000, the semi-finalists KES 250,000, the outstanding players each received KES. 50,000, (Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player (boys and girls).” She noted.
She also highlighted that on talent development , they had scouts and coaches from FKF who attended the grassroot games to identify outstanding players.
“We had scouts who attended and identified talents, and out of this exercise, we have formed an All-Stars Team that will be going to Spain for a football bootcamp team that consist of 32 players, 16 boys and 16 girls.” Awuor remarked.
During their stay in Spain, the team will engage in a series of enriching activities designed to enhance their football journey. They will play against Huesca’s Youth Academy, attend masterclasses led by former professional players, and utilise the state-of-the-art facilities at the Base Aragonesa de Fútbol, the modern sports city of S.D. Huesca. Additionally, they will also be exposed to a different climate, helping them with exposure needed for international football.
“It is truly exciting to be part of the squad travelling to Spain. Visiting Spain to experience world-class football first hand or even play there has always been my dream, and now, thanks to Safaricom Chapa Dimba, that dream is coming true. I am immensely grateful to Safaricom and the entire team for keeping their promise to us. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, learn as much as I can during the boot camp, and apply those lessons to grow my football career.” Said Khamis Nyale, Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars player.
Scouted from across the country during the eight regional finals, the team is currently camping at Ligi Ndogo Grounds and will depart Nairobi on Sunday evening, 8th December, accompanied by two coaches, Chrispine Odindo of Plateau Queens and Evans Oketch of Obunga FC, and FKF representatives.
Mt Kenya Times 
Felix Njenga