Gor Mahia Youth, Beijing Raiders through to finals of Safaricom youth soccer tournament

Gor Mahia Youth FC (Boys) from Makadara and Beijing Raiders (Girls) from Starehe are the Champs of Nairobi region in the ongoing Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom youth tournament.

Kogalo edged out Slum Dwellers from Westlands scoring 3:0 in the boys finals for Nairobi region held today at Stima Club Grounds, Nairobi.

(TOP: Gor Mahia player Otieno Selassie – in green bib – scores a goal during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Regional finals at Stima Club Grounds, Thika road. Gor Mahia won the match after beating Slum Dwellers by 3 goals to Nil. BELOW: Beijing Raiders player Selvin Kasowa – in a blue bib – scores a goal during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Regional finals at Stima Club Grounds, Thika road. Beijing Raiders won the match after beating Acakoro by 5 to nil).

Beijing Raiders also triumphed after putting up skilled match against Acakoro Ladies from Kasarani scoring 5:0 within the regulation time.

“We are very proud of our victory today. The game was tough and the field was muddy but we won! We remain hopeful to win the National finals come 25^th of March,” said,Chris Alpher, captain, Gor Mahia Youth FC.

“This is a great moment for our team and we actually cannot hide our joy. It is really a big step for us. The journey has been long and winding for us but now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The national finals will not be a walk in the park but we will give it our best,” said Mark Okwiri, coach, Beijing Raiders.

The two winning teams each received a cash reward of Kshs 200,000 and will now proceed to the National finals set for March 22 to 25, 2018 at Bukhungu Stadium.

“The regional finals have ended today and all the regional champions from across the country are gearing to go. We have already done the draws for the National finals and each team is aware of their challenger as at now. We applaud all the winning teams for the job well done and wish them all the very best in their quest for National victory,” said, Sylvia Mulinge, Director of Consumer Business Unit, Safaricom.

At the grand finale, the winning teams will walk away with Kshs 1 million each and an opportunity to go for an international training and mentorship camp in London in April 2018.

Over 270 games were played across the entire Nairobi region with 174 teams taking part in the competition that kicked off with group stages on January 13, 2018.

Safaricom has invested Kshs 100 million towards the program which includes Kshs 10 million worth of prizes as well as funds for renovation of select community pitches through a legacy programme.

SCORERS -Girls

Beijing Raiders 5:0 Acakoro Ladies

1. Beijing Raiders (5)

· Kasowa Salvine – 25^th Minute

· Rhobi Maximilla- 28^th Minute

· Atieno Pauline – 58^th and 71^st

· Matinde Annet – 71^st Minute

SCORERS -Boys

1. Gor Mahia Youth FC 3:0 Slum Dwellers

Gor Mahia

· Otieno Selassie – 17^th and 37^th Minute

· Onyango Alpha– 25^th Minute