Safaricom, in collaboration with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), has announced the launch of the fourth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba football tournament. The tournament is set to run from June 2023 to January 2024 and has a total prize pool of KES 20 million. The aim of the tournament is to provide a platform for scouts and coaches to tap into new talent and build feeder systems for the Kenyan leagues.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa announced that the company has committed over KES 400 million to support the tournament. The tournament will run from the grassroots level to national level across the country, open to both boys’ and girls’ teams. The national registration exercise will begin on 1st May 2023, with registration forms available on the Safaricom website.

The tournament has become a much sought-after event by local and international scouts seeking new, talented footballers. Previous editions of Safaricom Chapa Dimba have helped recruit new, talented players for clubs and the national teams. The tournament has produced many talented players such as Benson Omalla of Gor Mahia, David Majak of Tusker FC, Jentrix Shikangwa of Simba Queens in Tanzania, and Jane Njeri, Cynthia Livondo, and Judith Osimbo, among others.

The total prize money for the tournament has doubled to KES 20 million, with additional incentives such as TVET educational scholarships, a 10-day trip to Spain for the all-star team, and international placements for two players (boy and girl) in a youth team in Spain. The best football players, 2 boys and 2 girls will be scouted during each of the regional finals, to form an All-Star team and get an opportunity to visit Spain for a 10-day training boot camp.

The tournament is not only about football but also about community engagement. Safaricom will engage with communities across Kenya through free medical camps, financial and digital literacy clinics with key partners, and various offers for Safaricom products and services.

Football is a beautiful game that brings people together. Its popularity cuts across ethnic lines and social status and is a powerful tool for social change, inclusion, and respect. Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa stated that the company is proud to announce the return of Safaricom Chapa Dimba after a three-year break due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Previous seasons of the tournament have been a huge success, and they intend to enroll even more participants this season.

The tournament will provide an opportunity for the youth to showcase their talent and get rewarded for their passion. The tournament also aims to create a structured platform for scouts and coaches to tap into new talent and build feeder systems for the Kenyan leagues across the country while training a total of 250 coaches.

In conclusion, the Safaricom Chapa Dimba football tournament is a much-needed platform for young people between the ages of 16-20 years to showcase their talent and get rewarded for their passion. The tournament not only aims to create opportunities for the youth but also aims to bring communities together through football and other community engagement activities. The tournament has produced many talented players, and we look forward to seeing the talent that will be showcased in the fourth edition of the tournament.