The midfielder took part in season two of the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament.
The Chapa Dimba na Safaricom grassroots tournament has unearthed gems in recent times that otherwise would never have gotten the opportunity to showcase their potential.
Players like Benson Omala, and Henry Meja went from mashinani to playing in Sweden by way of the FKF Premier League through the tournament.
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The midfielder has, however, struggled for game time since fully recovering from a groin injury.
On top of benefiting the men’s game, it has also done the same for the women's. The national football team, Harambee Starlets has had its pool increased, both quality-wise and numbers-wise.
For Catherine 'Arish' Aringo, the tournament has enabled her to launch her semi-professional career and play for Harambee Starlets.
Aringo took part in season two of the tournament and was recently part of the all-stars exhibition match during the launch of season four of the tournament at the Camp Toyoyo grounds.
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The tournament makes its return for the first time since 2019.
You can tell she can barely contain her excitement as she talks about the benefits of taking part in the Chapa Dimba tournament.
“I took part in season two of the Chapa Dimba and was one of a few who were selected to go to Spain. It was exciting to get on a plane to go abroad to get exposure. The weather was great and we enjoyed ourselves. We even got to see Lionel Messi face-to-face.
“Spain is different from Kenya. Their weather is very different from ours, and their training facilities are on a very different level to ours, like here at Camp Toyoyo, we call this a stadium– but it is just a turf— and it is not particularly in the best condition.
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Chapa Dimba FKF boss Mwendwa emphasises on the need to focus on grassroots football
Players like Benson Omala, and Henry Meja were plucked from the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament.
“In Spain, every stadium is state of the art. We got everything we wanted and we got trained by top coaches.”
The Vikers Queens utility player prefers playing as a number 10 and admits she “does not like handling defensive roles".
Starlets like PAOK’s Essie Akida have gone from strength to strength recently. She won the 2022 Greek Women’s Super League Golden Boot after scoring 18 goals but Aringo insists she is not looking to copy anyone and wants to make a name for herself.
18:05 - 05.05.2023
Chapa Dimba FKF boss Mwendwa emphasises on the need to focus on grassroots football
Players like Benson Omala, and Henry Meja were plucked from the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament.
"I do not want to copy anyone. I just want to work hard and make a name for myself and go abroad one day. Playing for Barcelona women would be the stuff of dreams!”
Aringo advises any player who would like to showcase their talent to take advantage of the current registration which remains open until the end of May.
“Chapa Dimba na Safaricom helps. They nurture talents. There are no gender biases as both boys and girls are given equal opportunities. For any kid out there with a dream, register as soon as possible to any club and play, because the exposure is unreal.”