Chapa Dimba director Chris Amimo predicts an electrifying showdown at the national finals on Thursday in Kisumu.
16 teams (eight boys and eight girls) will battle for a Sh1m cash prize.
The runners-up will pocket Sh500,000 with all semifinalists bagging Sh250,000 (both boys and girls).
The most valuable players — top scorer and best goalkeeper will also be awarded with Sh50,000 each and a trophy.
Speaking during the draw of lots at Safaricom House, Nairobi, Amimo said: “The quality of play has been high during this edition. The teams participating in the finals are all top-notch. It will be exciting to watch the competition in Kisumu.”
The matches kick off on Thursday at the Moi Stadium, Kisumu and Mamboleo Stadium with clinics for players and coaches a day before.
Moi Stadium will host Obunga vs Lysa, Ebwali Boys' vs Chuka University, Syomonyu Girls' vs Brenda Girls' and Changamwe Ladies vs Plateau Queens.
Bandari Youth will go head to head with Wajir All-Stars, PASC Langa duel Dandora Young Kings, Dagoretti Mixed Girls' will go toe-to-toe with Wiyeta Girls' and Barcelona Ladies take on Wajir Starlets at the Mamboleo Stadium.
Mamboleo Stadium will host the girls' semifinal on Friday with the boys taking a rest day. The boys' semifinal will be played on Saturday at the same venue with the finals slated for Sunday.
There was an increase in participation this year with 3,353 teams registering compared to 1,670 last year. There were over 60,000 players in this edition years edition.
“We have witnessed an increase in the participation. Players are fighting for a spot to go to Spain and hone their skills,” Amimo stated.
An All-Star team will be assembled after the national finals for a 14-day boot camp in Spain.
“This tournament has been a platform for young talented players to showcase their talent. Some have been selected in the national U20 squads and others travelled to Spain for boot camps,” he said.
Amimo said they are advocating for the inclusion of more women's teams from the North Eastern region, where only Wajir fielded a girls’ team.
“We are talking to decision-makers in areas like North Eastern to involve more girls in sports.”
Lucille Aveva, Safaricom’s director of Customer Obsession, said: “We started a journey four years ago to tap into young talent. Our investment in this season is over Sh400 million. This is an investment into the future of Kenya.”
“Our commitments extend off the field through 150 scholarships for MVPs to empower them with skills and education beyond football,” Aveva added.
Quarterfinals
Boys Draw
Obunga FC vs Lysa FC (Moi Stadium)
Ebwali vs Chuka University Scorpions (Moi Stadium)
PASC Langa vs Dandora Young Kings (Mamboleo stadium)
Bandari Youth vs Wajir Allstars (Mamboleo Stadium)
Girls Draw
Syomunyu Girls' vs Brenda Girls' (Moi Stadium)
Changamwe Ladies vs Plateau Queens (Moi Stadium)
Barcelona Ladies vs Wajir Girls' (Mamboleo Stadium)
Dagoretti mixed Girls vs Wiyeta Girls' (Mamboleo Stadium)
