Safaricom has launched Season 5 of Safaricom Chapa Dimba with a renewed focus on accelerating the journey from grassroots football to professional and international platforms through earlier scouting, structured competition, and enhanced exposure opportunities.
The tournament, unveiled in Kisumu, introduces a refreshed development model targeting players aged 15 to 18 years, aimed at identifying talent at an earlier stage and integrating them into structured pathways that link education, performance analytics, and elite football exposure.
A key highlight of the season is the introduction of a global competition pathway to the Gothia Cup in Sweden. Thirty-two top-performing players will be selected to form an All-Star team that will represent Kenya at the international youth tournament, replacing previous short-term international bootcamp programmes.
The shift is designed to provide players with real match experience against international teams, offering a more competitive and performance-driven exposure model.
The programme also integrates education support, with Safaricom announcing 150 tertiary scholarships for outstanding players under the Citizens of the Future initiative, aimed at ensuring athletes balance sport with academic progression.
Speaking during the launch, Peter Ndegwa said the initiative is built around long-term transformation of young lives.
“We are intentionally building pathways that combine sports, education, and technology to empower the next generation. Our goal is not just to develop footballers, but to nurture well-rounded young people who can positively transform their communities and the country”, said Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC.
Safaricom also announced a significant expansion in the use of sports technology for talent identification. The company will deploy VeO Cameras and MyScout AI devices starting from county-level matches, complementing AI-powered GPS vests previously introduced in earlier editions.
The technology will track detailed performance indicators such as movement patterns, positioning, speed, and match intensity, while generating digital profiles that can be accessed by scouts and clubs locally and internationally.
“This season, we are taking technology deeper into grassroots football because we believe no talent should go unnoticed. Through data and digital player profiling, we are creating more structured pathways for young players to access opportunities locally and globally,” added Ndegwa.
The tournament will be played across eight regions and follow a five-tier structure consisting of ward, county, inter-county, regional, and national finals.
Registration for both boys’ and girls’ teams is ongoing via Safaricom Chapa Dimba.
At the national finals, winning teams will each receive KES 1 million, with additional prizes awarded at county and regional levels. Individual awards will also be presented for Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper.
Since its inception in 2017, Safaricom Chapa Dimba has become a major talent pipeline in Kenyan football, producing players such as Benson Omalla, Bryton Otieno, Austine Odongo, Derrick Oketch, Jentrix Shikangwa and Mercy Akoth, with several alumni progressing into professional football and international competitions.
