Defending Champions in the boys’ category, Euronuts from Kiambu and Barcelona Ladies from Laikipia are the champions of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Central region finals.

Barcelona Ladies clinched the top spot in the girls’ category after they thrashed defending champions Limuru Starlets two goals to one (2-1) in an entertaining contest held at Thika Stadium.

Jane Njeri scored a brace seeing the back of the net at 7th and 75th minutes to give her team the victory. She was crowned the top scorer with a total of six (6) goals in two matches. Ngonyo Florence scored a consolation goal for Limuru Starlets just before full time ending the march at 2-1 in full time.

“I am very delighted for what we have achieved as a team. Scoring six goals couldn’t have been possible without team work. We will keep up our training routines as we prepare for the national finals. This is a very important moment for us,” said Jane Njeri, Top scorer from Barcelona Ladies.

In the boy’s finals, Euronuts successfully defended their title against Lufa Graduates scoring two goals to one in regulation time. Lual Mengistu gave the Kiambu based side an early lead in the 6th minute, setting pace for ‘nuts’. George Ndungu netted the second goal at 35th minute to seal the win for the Euronuts. Lorere Daniel brought Lufa Graduates back into the game at 65th minutes but it was too little too late for the Laikipia’s side who conceded a 2:1 defeat.

“We’ve had a very tough opponent today but we are happy to have triumphed. We will head to a camp for our trainings ahead of and hope it will bear fruits. The girls are dedicated and we plan to bring the national trophy to Central,” said, Emman Wafula, Coach Barcelona Ladies.

Barcelona and Euronuts received a cash reward of KES 200,000 each and will now represent Central region in the national finals scheduled for June 2019 at Kinoru Stadium, Meru County.

They have now joined Mombasa’s Shimanzi youth and Changamwe ladies, Kajiado’s Al Ahly and Kitale Queens from Rift Valley, Bishop Njenga Girls and Lugari Blue Saints from Western, Manyatta Boys and Ndhiwa Queens from Nyanza as well as Super Solico and St Mary’s Ndovea from Eastern for the national finals set for Meru where KES 1M is at stake.

The competition now moves to Garissa for the North Eastern region final on 24th and 25th April 2019 then Nairobi region on 27th and 28th of April as the race to La Liga heats up.

This year, an All-star team will be also selected from the 8 regional finals to attend a training camp in Spain during which they will play against local youth sides.

SCORERS -Girls

1. Barcelona 2:1 Limuru Starlets
Barcelona (2)
• Njeri Jane – 9th & 75th Minute.
Limuru Starlets (1)
• Gikonyo Florence – 80th Minute

SCORERS -Boys

1. Lufa Graduates 1: 2 Euronuts
Lufa Graduates 1
• Lorere Daniel – 65th Minute
Euronuts (2)
• Mengistu Lual – 6th Minute
• George Ndungu – 35th Minute

AWARDS

1. MVPs
• Lutomia Miriam – Barcelona Ladies (Girls)
• Mutuma John – Lufa Graduates (Boys)

2. Golden Boot/Top Scorer
Boys
• Mengitsu Lual – (2 goals) Euronuts
Girls
• Jane Njeri – (6 goals) Barcelona Ladies

3. Best Keeper/ Golden Glove
Boys
• Wainaina David –Euronuts
Girls
• Alele Eunice – Barcelona Ladies