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A team of 32 young players will leave the country Monday evening for Catalonia, Spain for a 10-day training camp conducted by La Liga coaches.
The 32 include 17 boys and 15 girls who were selected during the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom tournament that was held across the country in the last six months, culminating in the national finals which are slated for June 6 in Meru.
The team will be accompanied by Acakoro Ladies coach Pauline Awuor and her counterpart from Lugari Blue Saints, Ted Amumala, who were selected in a public draw that was conducted on April 28 during the Nairobi regional finals.
The team has an action-packed schedule arranged which includes friendly games against local youth sides and watching the game between Barcelona and Gatafe at Camp Nou on April 12.
They will also tour the cosmopolitan capital of Spain, Barcelona which is known for its art and architecture.
“I could not believe that I was selected to go to Spain. It will be my first time out of the country and I am very excited about that. I am told we shall see Lionel Messi liv at the stadium and I cannot wait to go to Spain. This is a dream come true,” said Marion Idd from Rift Valley’s Al Ahly team, who made the cut.
The Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom tournament aims at scouting for youth talent, developing grassroots football, and ultimately propelling gifted players to the national team.
When the All-star team returns from the Spain tour, they will rejoin their clubs in preparation for the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom national finals set for Meru next month.
Four teams including South B United and Acakoro Ladies from Nairobi and Western, Manyatta Boys and Ndhiwa Queens from Nyanza will compete in the national finals where the winner will walk away with the Sh1 million cash prize.
“This is the best opportunity to motivate these players to stay true to their footballing talents. It is worth noting that may of the players selected come from underprivileged backgrounds, and I believe this trip with have a positive impact in their lives,” coach Awuor said during the naming ceremony.
Atem Kato, Saeed Aleeley, Ibrahim Ochieng, Benson Ochieng, Ibrahim Abdisalan, Abdille Abdirahman, Alex Onchwari, Abdirahim Ali, Marion Idd, Benson Githinji, Cedric Asmani, Mutuma John, Mengitsu Lual, Issa Minhaj, Khalid Yusuf, Wanyama Enos, Lewis Mbandi
Girls:
Joy king, Stella Ahono, Lavenda Murumwa, Asher Achieng, Ivonne Ogada, Carolyne Rufa, Nuru Hensley, Daisy Chirchir, Cynthia Libondo, Claudia Kadenge, Aringo Catherine, Jane Njeri, Lutomia Miriam, Diana Haashina, Iryne Atieno
