Chapa Dimba All-Stars team unveiled

Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars players pose for a group photo at Ligi Ndogo grounds. [Jonah Onyango، Standard]

Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars team to represent Kenya at an international boot camp in Spain next week was on Thursday unveiled at Ligi Ndogo grounds, Nairobi.

The squad of 32 players, 16 boys and a similar number of girls, is set to depart the country on Sunday for a one-week training camp at S.D Huesca Football Academy in Spain.

During their stay in Spain, the team will engage in a series of enriching activities designed to enhance their football journey. They will play against Huesca’s Youth Academy, attend masterclasses led by former professional players, and utilise the state-of-the-art facilities at the Base Aragonesa de Fútbol, the modern sports city of S.D. Huesca.

Additionally, they will also be exposed to a different climate, helping them with exposure needed for international football.

“I’m really excited because it will be my first time to get into a plane,” Naomi Masinde, who featured for Barcelona FC from Central Kenya in the Chapa Dimba talent search, told Standard Sports.

Khamis Nyal,  who was scouted from Bandari Youth FC stated: “It is truly exciting to be part of the squad travelling to Spain. Visiting Spain to experience world-class football firsthand or even play there has always been my dream, and now.”

Two coaches, Chrispine Odindo of Plateau Queens and Evans Oketch of Obunga FC, and Football Kenya Federation representatives, will accompany the team to Spain.

The players were scouted from across the country during the eight regional Chapa Dimba finals held in Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Eastern, Coast, Central, North-Eastern, and Nairobi.

Speaking during the players unveiling ceremony, Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO, said: “We believe in creating opportunities that empower young people to showcase their talents on global stages. Through this trip, we aim to provide these 32 young boys and girls with a unique and unforgettable experience, offering them the chance to engage with and learn from world-class football professionals. As they embark on this journey, I extend my best wishes to them.”