Twelve football teams from across the Nyanza region have qualified for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals set for Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, in Kisumu, after winning their respective county competitions over the weekend.

According to a Safaricom statement dated September 6, 2026, county champions took home KES 75,000 each, while runners-up received KES 30,000, alongside additional individual prizes.

The qualifiers include Obunga FC and Plateau Queens from Kisumu County, Awendo Academy from Migori County, and Sameta High School from Kisii County.

The regional finals are part of Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba tournament series, which has become a recurring platform for youth football talent identification and competition across Kenya’s counties. The event also draws local spectators and requires logistics and venue operations that typically benefit host towns through accommodation, transport and small-scale trade around match venues.

In Kisumu County, Obunga FC defended their county title by beating Julu Nyambugu 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular time. Evans Oketch, head coach of Obunga FC, said the team expects a tougher contest at the regional stage.

“It was not an easy game. Our opponents were tough and pushed us to penalties. I thank my players and the fans for their support in helping us retain the county title,” Oketch said. “The experience I have gained through Chapa Dimba and our visit to Spain last year helped us stay focused and get the job done. There will be pressure at the regionals as defending champions, but we are ready to fight for the regional crown.”

In the girls’ category in Kisumu, Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls) retained their county crown for a third consecutive time after defeating Victoria Soccer Academy 4-0. Joan Ogola scored in the 13th minute, while Emily Adhiambo scored a hat-trick, Safaricom said.

“I am really excited to retain this title for the third time. We dominated the game and made sure that we won,” said Chrispine Odindo, head coach of Plateau Queens. “For the regionals, we are going for nothing but the trophy.”

Other county results highlighted in the statement include Siaya County, where Indomitable Soldiers beat Real Talent Academy 10-9 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the boys’ title, while Nyamira Starlets beat Lwak Starlets 6-5 on penalties to win the girls’ title.

In Migori County, Awendo Academy beat Korwa Secondary School 1-0 to retain the boys’ title for a second time, while Oyugi Ogango Girls won the girls’ category after edging Mukuyu Queens 3-2.

In Nyamira County, Nyaguku FC retained the boys’ county title after beating Global Junior 4-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw. Masosa Starlets won the girls’ category after a 1-0 win over the season four champions, Safaricom said.

In Kisii County, Sameta High School beat The Mighty FC 1-0 to claim the boys’ title, while Otendo Comprehensive Starlets won the girls’ trophy after a 2-0 win against Omogwa Comprehensive.

In Homa Bay County, Kendu Muslim won the boys’ title after beating Kokwanyo Youth Soccer Academy 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw, while Hedso Queens (Saye Secondary School) won the girls’ title by beating Kachar Queens of Rangwe 3-2 on penalties.

Safaricom said the Nyanza Regional Finals will begin with an inter-county playoff, followed by coaches’ and players’ clinics, before proceeding to the semi-finals and finals at the Kisumu venue.

For Safaricom, the tournament sits alongside its wider brand and community initiatives and keeps the firm visible in regional markets beyond Nairobi, while offering structured competition for youth teams drawn from schools and community clubs. The regional finals are expected to determine which teams advance to subsequent stages of the Chapa Dimba competition.