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Libondo has since gotten to play in the Kenya Women's Premier League for TransNzoia falcons and the Harambee Starlets.
Football is a game that has changed the lives of many people globally over the years. Most superstar footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who is considered by many to be the greatest of all time, is an example of a player who came from a humble background, but whose life was changed completely by football.
Many people who are not football fans consider football to be just about 22 people chasing a piece of leather, but to others, that ‘piece of leather’ is as priceless as it comes.
Different countries have their own methods and tournaments used to identify unearthed gems from the grassroots level. In Brazil, futsal has helped identify alot of talented players who have gone on to be key players for the Selecao, as well as for big clubs both domestically and abroad.
In the Kenyan context, Chapa Dimba by Safaricom has been termed as the most exciting and innovative grassroots football tournament. Launched in 2018, the tournament showcases the talents of young players from all over the country. This tournament has become a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills, providing a pathway for future stars to emerge and make a name for themselves in the world of football.
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13:49 - 06.05.2023
Chapa Dimba na Safaricom “I got to meet Messi face-to-face!” midfielder revels in the Chapa Dimba experience
The midfielder took part in season two of the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament.
One of the success stories from this tournament is Cythia Libondo. Libondo was captain of the Kitale Queens side from season one of the tournament.
The talented midfielder who is an expert at dribbling and a specialist in one v one situations says the incentives of Chapa Dimba helped her game get to another level.
“Chapa Dimba has enabled me to nurture my talent,” she said, “ I was able to go to Spain, play for the national under 20 side and also play for Harambee Starlets. It was an unforgettable experience ,”she added.
The 23-year-old from TransNzoia county’s reason for playing football is to gain recognition both locally and internationally, and she certainly has already earned that by playing for the national women’s team, having impressed for the Women’s Premier League side, TransNzoia falcons She however explains that it is a tough challenge to step up to that level.
“Playing for Harambee Starlets is not easy. You have to push yourself. It is a level more difficult than the under 20 side. It is like a war.
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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.
“However, the best players have to test this war, just like in the league where accolades are contested for, so you have to be up for the fight.”
Libondo has decided to stop playing club football for now in order to focus on her studies, but still insists that players should not give up on their dreams and encourages them to register for season four of the tournament before the May 31 deadline.
“ I wish them well. I can only be an example right now to the upcoming stars as I am now overage to follow our example,”
“I am currently in school but hope for more opportunities like the ones we got with Safaricom.”
By giving these young men and women a platform to showcase their skills, Safaricom in association with Football Kenya Federation are slowly but surely changing the Kenyan football scene for the better. e.
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11:05 - 29.04.2023
FOOTBALL Chapa Dimba: Everything you need to know as tournament returns after three years
The event will be held for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic halted proceedings in 2020
If you are a footballer between 16-20 years and in a team, sign up here today for a chance to take your football career to the next level. The tournament will kick off on 3rd June 2023 in Western Kenya, with the national finals to be held on 14th January 2024
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