Coastal giants Kwale United triumph in inaugural national showdown
Coastal football powerhouse Kwale United etched their name in history as the inaugural champions of the SportPesa Tujiamini Cheza Dimba National Tournament. The team clinched victory with a dramatic 1-0 win over Eldoret FC in a high-stakes final at Dandora Stadium, Nairobi.
In a thrilling encounter, Kwale United captain Austine Mbogo delivered the decisive moment with a sublime first-half free-kick, sealing his team’s fate as national champions. Despite Eldoret FC’s resurgence in the second half, Kwale United’s rock-solid defense proved unbreakable, ensuring they lifted the coveted trophy.
The historic triumph marks a pivotal moment in Kenyan grassroots football, demonstrating the rising dominance of coastal teams on the national stage.
Uhola Queens crowned women’s champions after penalty drama
The women’s final was equally electrifying, with Uhola Queens from Nyanza showing nerves of steel in a tense penalty shootout to defeat Green Blades SPASS 3-2, following a 1-1 stalemate in regular time. The victory secured Uhola Queens’ status as the first-ever Tujiamini Cheza Dimba women’s champions, cementing their place as a force to reckon with in Kenyan women’s football.
SportPesa’s grassroots impact: Tujiamini Initiative pumps Kshs 70 million into talent development
The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, spearheaded by SportPesa Kenya, brought together nine regional men’s teams and top women’s sides from across Kenya. The competition served as the culmination of the Tujiamini Initiative’s year-long efforts to unearth and elevate grassroots football talent.
Speaking after the final, Kwale United head coach Hamisi Masusa expressed gratitude for the platform that has transformed many young athletes’ careers:
“SportPesa has truly empowered us. This online gaming platform has given players a national audience, which many of them have been struggling to find. This win means everything to us.”
Echoing his sentiments, team captain Austine Mbogo added:
“It’s a dream come true! Hard work and belief have paid off, and we are grateful for this opportunity. The Tujiamini initiative is changing lives.”
In a significant boost to grassroots football, SportPesa announced an investment of up to Ksh 70 million to expand the Tujiamini Initiative in 2025, further supporting emerging football talents across Kenya.
Tournament highlights and key results
The Tujiamini Festival not only provided a stage for elite competition but also featured a high-energy exhibition match, where SportPesa FC emerged victorious in a mini-tournament against Dandora Legends and Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) FC.
Final Results – Tujiamini Cheza Dimba 2024
Men’s category
- Quarterfinal: Megastars 0-1 Kwale United
- Semifinal: Kisumu City Stars 1-2 Kwale United
- Final: Eldoret FC 0-1 Kwale United
Women’s category
- Final: Uhola Queens 3-2 Green Blades SPASS (Penalties, 1-1 in regular time)
The future of Kenyan grassroots football looks bright
The SportPesa Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament has revolutionized Kenya’s grassroots football scene, opening doors for young players to shine on a national platform. With sustained investment and strategic development, Kenya’s next generation of football stars could be one step closer to professional opportunities.
