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The Nairobian

Cheptalal FC celebrates South Rift Cheza Dimba Championship amid fan cheers and prizes

Football

By Washington Onyango | Nov 03, 2024

**South Rift Region Cheza Dimba Tournament winners, Cheptalal FC, beaming after receiving the Tujiamini award for emerging victorious.** [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Cheptalal FC, based in Bomet, emerged victorious in the South Rift Region’s Cheza Dimba tournament, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Narok Town Stars FC in a thrilling finale.

This victory not only brought the team pride and celebration but also a three-year sponsorship deal worth Sh250,000 annually, which promises significant support as they advance to the national level of the Tujiamini Initiative Cheza Dimba tournament.

Cheptalal FC made their intentions clear from the first whistle, with Benson Mutai delivering an electrifying opening-minute goal that set the tone for the match.

However, Narok Town Stars weren’t about to back down easily, and Simon Karanja responded in the 27th minute with an equalizer, leveling the scores and intensifying the action.

**A player from Cheptalal FC (left) contends for the ball against an opponent from Narok Town Stars FC (right).** [Washington onyango,Standard]

With both teams fiercely competing, the game appeared set for extra time, but Cheptalal FC’s Davies Kiprono found the net in stoppage time, clinching the victory in dramatic fashion.

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Reflecting on the win, Cheptalal FC captain Elius Kipng’eno expressed pride in his team’s resilience against a formidable opponent.

“Knowing that we were facing a tough opponent, we renewed our focus in the final moments of the match, which turned out to be the crucial game-changer,” Kipng’eno said.

“This sponsorship win is a welcome silver lining for both the team and players, considering the many challenges we have faced in the pursuit of success as a community club.”

**A player from Narok Town Stars FC enjoying the final match of the Cheza Dimba tournament in the South Rift region.** [Washington Onyango,Standard]

SportPesa’s Mercy Kabui, who presented the sponsorship to the winners, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to grassroots and community sports.

“Through tournaments such as Cheza Dimba, young players who are the stars of tomorrow get to test and develop their skills, even as they pursue their individual and collective growth,” she stated.

“We are encouraged and excited to be part of these success stories by providing the much-needed support, however small, for community clubs.”

Although Narok Town Stars FC fell short of victory, their captain, Felix Ekisa, spoke with confidence about his team’s future.

“I know that my team is a force to reckon with. We trained well ahead of the tournament, but our opponents also came well-prepared, which we noticed right from the start. Although we managed to stem their advances in the match, it wasn’t enough to give us victory.”

The South Rift Region’s Cheza Dimba tournament attracted 170 entries, a testament to the thriving grassroots talent in the area.

**Cheptalal FC fans pose for a photo after clinching the Tujiamini Bronze Kwa Ground award for the highest fan turnout among the participating teams in the tournament.** [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Cheptalal FC’s fans added to the winning atmosphere, claiming cash prizes worth Sh10,000 through the Bronze Kwa Ground award for the highest turnout among participating teams.

The event also featured individual wins, including a standout performance by Johnson Mungai, who won the Crossbar Challenge.

With the South Rift Region complete, the Tujiamini Initiative now heads to the Coastal region, where more community teams will vie for their place in the penultimate Cheza Dimba tournament, continuing the mission to uplift grassroots talent across Kenya.