After lifting Kisii County Chapa Dimba na Safaricom titles, Small Simba and Kisii Queens are now eyeing regional titles.
South Mugirango’s Small Simba came from a goal down to beat Inchuni Combined 3-1 to lift the boys’ title while Kisii Queens defeated Moteiribe 1-0 to win the title during the finals played at Sameta grounds.
Small Simba coach Wycliffe Magero said: “After conquering Kisii County, our target now is the regional trophy. I know it will not be easy but my boys are up to the task. We are not afraid of any team.”
Commenting on their game against Ichuni Combined, Magero said: “We conceded an early penalty but the boys did not panic. After the halftime pep talk, we turned things around. I’m very proud of these youngsters.”
Emmanuel Onwong’a gave Ichuni the lead in the 15th minute and Jasper Omwando, Josephat Migiro, and Rashid William were on target for Small Simba in the second half. Omwando is a younger brother to Shabana midfielder Justine Omwando.
In the women’s final played under a heavy downpour, Christine Ondieki scored for Kisii Queens at the death to give her side deserved victory.
Kisii Queens is FKF Premier League side Shabana’s women’s team. Kisii Queens coach Nicodemus Migori also vowed to go for the regional title. “I know it will be difficult at the regionals but I have trust in the girls. We want to qualify for nationals,” he said.
On Saturday, Kisii Queens qualified for the FKF Women’s Division One after beating Ahero Starlets 3-1 and Migori Educational Centre 2-0.
The Chapa Dimba na Safaricom winners received Sh75,000 while runners-up got Sh30,000. Also awarded were the best players, top scorer and best goalkeeper.
In Siaya, the boys’ final between Ambira Mobimba and St. Peter’s Wagai was abandoned due to crowd trouble after Ambira’s Emmanuel Otieno was sent off in the 89th minute. By the time of abandonment, the teams were deadlocked at 0-0.
In the girls' category, Victoria Sports Academy drubbed Jera Girls 3-1 to lift the title. Leila Awuor struck a hat-trick for Victoria while Jera’s consolation was scored by Christine Achieng.
The Homa Bay, Nyamira, Kisumu and Migori counties finals will be held this weekend.
After the county finals, the tournament will enter the knockout stage where the six counties will be pooled into two groups.
The finalists will qualify for the regional finals to be played at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu from September 30 to October 1.
