The Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars—13 boys and 12 girls—departed Nairobi for a week-long football training camp in Huesca, Spain. A golden opportunity to test skills, gain exposure, and experience the professional football environment beyond Kenyan borders.
For years, Chapa Dimba has been a beacon for grassroots football in Kenya. It identifies talent from small towns and city neighborhoods alike, offering a structured path for players who might otherwise go unnoticed. With backing from Safaricom, the initiative has nurtured young stars who have gone on to professional careers.
The All-Stars’ week in Huesca will immerse them in a professional football environment rarely accessible to Kenyan youth. They will train with the S.D. Huesca Youth Academy, participate in masterclasses led by seasoned professionals, and engage in friendly matches with local teams. The itinerary also includes attending a Segunda División match between SD Huesca and Málaga CF, where the players can observe professional tactical setups and team dynamics up close.
The training sessions are designed to enhance technical skills—passing, dribbling, shooting—and also cognitive aspects of the game, including decision-making under pressure, positioning, and teamwork. Coaches are blending the intensity of European football culture with approaches tailored to the Kenyan context, giving the players a holistic learning experience.
The team is captained by Stanley Waswa (Ndura Sports Academy) for the boys, and Manda Sunira Were (Highland Royals Moi Girls) for the girls. Both captains are tasked with guiding gameplay and with motivating teammates and exemplifying professionalism in training, travel, and interaction with international counterparts.
Alongside them, coaches Evans Oketch (Obunga FC) and Chrispine Odindo ensure that every player receives personalized feedback. From adjusting running posture to improving ball control and spatial awareness, the coaching staff is maximizing this exposure week to accelerate growth. For many of these young athletes, this is a rare chance to benchmark themselves against European standards, an opportunity that could influence their playing style and aspirations for years to come.
The All-Stars’ trip isn’t solely about training. Cultural immersion is part of the agenda, with sightseeing in Huesca, exposure to Spanish lifestyles, and social activities with local youth teams. This broader experience builds confidence, adaptability, and communication skills—qualities essential for any professional athlete.
By investing in youth talent and providing international exposure, the initiative strengthens the bridge from grassroots football to professional careers.