The winning teams will each walk away with Sh1 million and a trip to London in April 2018 during which they will get a chance to have mentorship sessions with Victor Wanyama, visit a youth training camp and watch a live game. [Photo/@VictorWanyama]
Safaricom in partnership with the Football Kenya Federation has today unveiled a Kshs100 million football challenge dubbed ‘chapa dimba na Safaricom.’
Registration for the competition which targets boys and girls aged 16 – 20 years opens on Monday 3rd July with games being played countrywide from September 2017 to March 2018. Teams can register for the tourney via the Safaricom Website (http://chapadimba.safaricom.co.ke/) or pick the registration forms from any Safaricom shop or Local FKF Branch Office. Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama, was also unveiled as Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Ambassador.
The winning teams will each walk away with Sh1 million and a trip to London in April 2018 during which they will get a chance to have mentorship sessions with Wanyama, visit a youth training camp and watch a live game.
“I am happy that through this partnership with Safaricom, I have the opportunity to motivate young players and encourage them to participate in football and develop their skills. I hope my personal journey will inspire the next generation of Kenyan footballers just like my brother MacDonald Mariga motivated me to chase after my dreams. I look forward to meeting young footballers from all over the country,” said Wanyama.
In addition to the running costs of the property, Safaricom has set aside over Kshs.10 million shillings for prizes and renovation of some of the local community pitches.
“Football is one of the most unifying tool in the world and we aim to give our youth an opportunity to grow and exhibit their talent. We are glad to be back in football as we continue strengthening our commitment to supporting sports in the country,” said Bob Collymore, CEO, Safaricom.
Team registration and verification for the tournament will take place in July and August 2017. The matches will start with group stages in September 2017, followed by the knockout stages and regional finals, with the grand finale set for March 2018.
During the games Football Kenya Federation will be scouting for players to try out for the National under 17 and under 20 teams.
“One of my visions for football in this country is to see Kenya produce the next big global football stars. We have the talent but lack the opportunities. I am glad that Safaricom has come on board to help FKF work towards fulfilling this dream.” said Nick Mwendwa, Chairman, Football Kenya Federation.
Safaricom has previously sponsored several football programmes including Sakata Ball and Safaricom Next Generation in partnership with My Profession Dreams Academy. Others sports that Safaricom is involved in are Athletics, Golf and Rugby.