Chakol Queens from Teso South sub-county and John Osogo Secondary School from Bunyala were crowned Busia ladies and boys champions respectively in the fourth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament on Saturday. 

Chakol Girls beat Kingandole Queens 4-1 in the final to win the title at Otimong Primary School grounds.

Chakol Queens, who are participating in the Western regional league, stunned their opponents with a first-minute goal through Maximilla Apio, whose close-range shot caught Kingandole goalkeeper Immaculate Anyango napping.

Unperturbed by the early setback, Kingandole, who dominated regional secondary school games unabated in previous years before going into oblivion levelled the score two minutes later through Phozy Achieng to bring life back into the game.

The tide changed in Chakol Queens’ favour, as they took charge of the match with the defence marshalled by stopper Melisa Amusolo foiling attacks from Kingandole centre forwards Namaron Halima and Veronica Ikwara.

With 22 minutes into the first half, Chakol took the lead with Maryline Tata making it 2-1 before Abigael Ilukor struck the third goal three minutes later to take a 3-1 lead into the break.

The half-time pep-talk paid off for the winners as Lilian Achom returned to net the fourth goal in the 49th minute to seal Nambale's hope of coming back into the game. Their victory earned them a cash award of Sh75,000 with Kingandole receiving Sh30,000.

In the boys’ category, John Osogo took the top position after beating Busia County Zone B League Champions Teens of Hope from Nambale sub-county 1-0 in a thriller. 

The lone goal was scored by Evans Siande in the 31st minute. The winners received Sh75,000 and the runners-up Sh30,000.

Melisa Amusolo of Chakol Queens emerged as the Most Valuable Player to receive an award of Sh10,000 and a TVET scholarship from Safaricom.

Joy Ajalet, also from Chakol and Phozy Achieng of Kingandole, emerged as joint top scorers with six goals apiece. They shared Sh10,000.

Amusolo thanked Safaricom for the sponsorship, noting that the victory was worth celebrating.

She said their focus is now on capturing the regional title that will kick off in Kakamega on August 26. 

Head coach Kaliya Anthony said he was happy with the win, exuding confidence that they are ready for the regionals and emerge victorious.

“Injuries at the regional school games saw us fail to qualify for semi-finals losing to Archbishop Njenga and Madira, noting that they have now what it takes to capture Chapa Dimba regional title.”

Kingandole captain Melvin Judith thanked God despite the loss, adding that the training was good, but they ran out of steam that saw her teammates lose hope early. Despite their disqualification at the county level of the school games, she promised a come-back in next year’s games. Head coach Amos Jack said the team played well but lost.

“We accept defeat. Will shall strive to beat our worthy opponents Chakol at whatever tournament we shall meet next time.”

In the boys’ category, Douglas Lumumba from John took the most valuable player award of Sh10,000 and a TVET scholarship.

Stephen Otwane of Teens of Hope emerged top scorer with 7 goals to his credit to receive Sh10,000 while John Osogo’s Nakhande Morgan took the best goalkeeper award to carry home a Sh10,000 cash award.

Musundi, the brain behind the organisation of the tournament lauded Safaricom for sponsoring the event to showcase their talents.

He promised to convene a meeting of coaches to encourage them to pursue further courses in order to reduce cheating that was witnessed in the just-ended secondary school games.

“Coaches should embrace discipline and honesty and above all polish players in order to get a good team instead of going for mercenaries which can risk the jobs of principals when their schools are sent packing despite progressing in the tournament,” he said.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba Busia County Cluster Business Lead Mutoro Wekesa thanked FKF Busia Branch for marshaling a record 64 teams that participated in the tournament. He said every part of Busia County was covered.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba is a national football tournament for male and female youths aged between 16 and 20.

It aims at transforming young people’s lives by giving them a platform to showcase their talents and the opportunity to earn from their passion.