Excitement is building up as Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba Coastal edition kicks off with a series of community outreach programs. The football tournament, scheduled for January 13 and 14, 2024, at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa County, will not only showcase talented youth aged 16 to 20 but also bring forth various community initiatives. Safaricom has organized free medical camps, stakeholder engagement, player and coach clinics, and digital and financial literacy training. The telco is collaborating with Britam Insurance Company to provide financial literacy training for boda boda riders, vendors, small business operators, and shopkeepers.

In addition to the community-focused initiatives, Safaricom is introducing AI-powered GPS Sports Vests to enhance player performance and open up scouting opportunities. These vests capture crucial data about players, such as total distance, speed, power plays, and scores, helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses for improvement. The football tournament, resuming after a three-week break during the Christmas season, is not just about nurturing talent but also aims to positively impact the lives of the entire community, according to Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. A total of eight teams are set to compete in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba regional final matches at Mbaraki Stadium, marking the inaugural event for 2024 in the Coast region.

The tournament serves as a designed platform to identify and nurture new talent, contributing to the development of feeder systems for Kenyan football leagues. Safaricom is committed to the broader community, providing training for 250 coaches alongside the competition, reinforcing its dedication to transforming lives through sports and community engagement.