News Focus
- 32 players will form an All-Star team to compete at the Gothia Cup in Sweden
- The age limit drops to 15-18 years to help spot talent earlier
- 150 players will win university scholarships through the Citizens of the Future programme
- New tech tools including AI cameras will track player performance
- National winners will each receive KES 1 million in prize money
Season five of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament will take a new path. For the first time, an All-Star team will travel to Sweden to compete at the famous Gothia Cup. This is the largest youth football competition in the world.
Officials made this announcement on Saturday at the launch event in Kisumu County. The telecom company confirmed its continued support for nurturing young football talent. It also stressed its mission to change lives through sport, education, and technology.
Scouts will select 32 outstanding players from the tournament to form the All-Star squad. This move replaces the international training camps used in past seasons. Instead, players will now gain experience through real competitive matches on the global stage.
The firm has also created clear pathways for education. One hundred and fifty top players will receive tertiary scholarships. These awards come through the Safaricom Citizens of the Future programme.
“We are intentionally building pathways that combine sports, education, and technology to empower the next generation,” said Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO of Safaricom PLC. “Our goal is not just to develop footballers, but to nurture well-rounded young people who can positively transform their communities and the country.”
Organisers have lowered the age limit for players from 16-20 years to 15-18 years. They say this change will help identify talent at an earlier stage. It will also aid development and placement into professional football structures both locally and abroad.
Technology will play a bigger role in scouting this season. After the success of AI-powered GPS vests last year, the firm will now roll out VeO Cameras and MyScout AI devices. These will start at the county level.
The tools will track player movement, intensity, positioning, and sprint data. They will also help build digital profiles for each player. Scouts and clubs around the world can view these profiles online.
“This season, we are taking technology deeper into grassroots football because we believe no talent should go unnoticed,” added Ndegwa. “Through data and digital player profiling, we are creating more structured pathways for young players to access opportunities locally and globally.”
The tournament will run across eight regions in five stages. These start at ward level, then move to county, inter-county, regional, and finally the national finals. Both boys’ and girls’ teams can register via the official website at www.chapadimba.safaricom.co.ke.
The national champions in both categories will each win KES 1 million. Additional prizes will go to county and regional winners. Individual awards will recognise the Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper.
Since it began in 2017, Chapa Dimba has produced several top players. Notable names include Benson Omalla, Bryton Otieno, Austine Odongo, Derrick Oketch, Jentrix Shikangwa, Marion Serenge, and Mercy Akoth. Some former participants have gone on to represent Kenya at international events such as the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.