Safaricom Chapa Dimba Alumni Drive Kayole Starlets’ Push for Top League Finish

Kayole Starlets have reinforced their squad for the second leg of the Kenya Premier League by signing three players from the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars, underlining how grassroots football programs in Kenya are opening doors to both national and international exposure for young athletes.

The new recruits—Sonia Wambui (goalkeeper), Calta Nasambu (striker), and Naomi Nanjala (position)—bring valuable experience from Barcelona Ladies SC in Laikipia, competing in the National Super League (NSL). They also participated in an international bootcamp in Huesca, Spain, last September, organized through Safaricom Chapa Dimba, which provided them with world-class training and exposure to global football standards.

Having represented the Central Region at the Season Four Chapa Dimba national finals in Kisumu, the trio is well-prepared to contribute to Kayole Starlets’ ambitions in the Premier League.

“I am thrilled to join Kayole Starlets. Playing in the Kenya Premier League is a dream, but my journey through Safaricom Chapa Dimba, including the bootcamp in Spain, has shown me that international opportunities are within reach. This experience has equipped me with skills and confidence to perform at higher levels,” said Naomi Wanjala.

Joining them are fellow Chapa Dimba alumni, Eunice ‘Bobi’ Nabwoba and Praxedes Shivikhwa, who also benefited from international exposure and prior national competitions, demonstrating the tournament’s role in preparing players for both local and overseas opportunities.

Kayole Starlets coach Joshua Sakwa, speaking during training at Calvary Sports Grounds, Nairobi, emphasized the impact of global exposure on player development.

“Safaricom Chapa Dimba not only develops talent locally but also prepares players for international challenges. The new recruits bring invaluable experience from international training and competition, which will strengthen our squad and inspire other young footballers in Kenya,” he said.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba has produced over 30 players in the latest season alone who have joined clubs in the National Super League and Kenya Premier League, including Emily Morang’a (Kenya Police), Duncan Omala (Nairobi United), Derick Okech (Shabana FC), Austine Odongo (Shabana FC), Stanley Waswa (Ulinzi Stars), Bryton Otieno (Gor Mahia), Brian Aroko (Tusker Youth), Lorrine Illavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens), Swaumu Masungo (Kibera Soccer Women), and Marion Serenge (St. Noa – Uganda).

Alumni from the tournament have also pursued careers abroad, including Atem Kato (Penn State Nittany Lions), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Brain Enock Wanyama (Tatung FC, Taiwan), Benson Omala (Nairobi United), David Majak (Kariobangi Sharks), Jane Hato (Master’s University), Judith Osimbo (Ulinzi Starlets), and Cynthia Livondo, showing the tournament’s success in creating pathways beyond Kenya.

Currently seventh in the league, Kayole Starlets aim to leverage this strengthened squad to finish in the top three, demonstrating how grassroots programs like Safaricom Chapa Dimba are instrumental in nurturing talent, opening doors to global opportunities, and building the next generation of football stars.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba, targeting youth aged 16–20, continues to provide structured platforms for talent discovery, international exposure, and career growth, positioning Kenyan footballers on the global stage.