Africa-Press – Kenya. Football Kenya Federation chief executive officer Barry Otieno says the return of Safaricom Chapa Dimba youth tournament will help unearth more talent.
The launch will take place on April 29 at Camp Toyoyo, Nairobi. The tournament for players aged between 16-20 years, returns after a three-year hiatus, occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and Kenya’s ban by Fifa.
“The main objective is to foster youth development across the country. Of course, Fifa suspension and the disbandment of the federation by the previous government made it impossible for the games to be played last year,” Otieno said.
Otieno said the grassroots tournament has helped discover football gems, some of whom are currently enjoying their productive season in the Kenyan Premier League and even abroad.
“The likes of Gor Mahia’s Benson Omalla, who currently tops the KPL scoring chart first came into the limelight at Chapa Dimba tournament.”
While the registration of teams is open, 150 students are expected to get scholarships while the best two players, man and woman, will join clubs in Spain.
“We are really happy about what Safaricom have done and continues to do. The goal is to try to get as many players as possible to play at top levels in Europe, Asia and the United Arab Emirates,” Otieno added.
“Through Chapa Dimba, we continue to actualise this. The two players who will be selected will have the opportunity to go for trials in Spain. Then, maybe, will represent the country at the under-21 level and if all goes well, they might don the Harambee Stars colours,” Otieno concluded.
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