Kayole Starlets have strengthened their squad for the second leg of the Kenya Premier League by signing three talented players from the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars, highlighting how grassroots football can open doors to professional and international opportunities.
The new recruits—Sonia Wambui (goalkeeper), Calta Nasambu (striker), and Naomi Nanjala (position)—bring valuable experience from Barcelona Ladies SC in Laikipia, a team currently competing in the National Super League (NSL). Their journey through Chapa Dimba has given them exposure to both national and international football competitions.
In September last year, the trio was part of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars squad that traveled to Huesca, Spain, for an elite bootcamp aimed at nurturing football talent with professional training and global insights. They also represented the Central Region in Season Four of the Chapa Dimba national finals held in Kisumu.
“I am thrilled to join Kayole Starlets. Playing in the Kenya Premier League has been my ambition since competing in the NSL. This mid-season move gives me a chance to contribute to the team and continue growing as a player. Safaricom Chapa Dimba has been pivotal in my career, providing opportunities that have brought me to this stage,” said Naomi Wanjala.
The trio joins fellow Chapa Dimba alumni Eunice ‘Bobi’ Nabwoba and Praxedes Shivikhwa, who also transitioned from the grassroots tournament to the Premier League, showcasing how Chapa Dimba prepares young talent for professional football both locally and internationally. Nabwoba previously played for Amus College in Uganda before joining Kayole Starlets.
“Chapa Dimba is more than a tournament; it is a launchpad for players to develop, gain exposure, and achieve their dreams. I am grateful to Kayole Starlets for this opportunity and I am ready to prove myself on the Premier League stage,” said Sonia Wambui.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba continues to influence football talent across Kenya. More than 30 players from the most recent season have joined clubs in both the National Super League and the Kenya Premier League, including Emily Morang’a (Kenya Police), Duncan Omala (Nairobi United), Derick Okech (Shabana FC), Bryton Otieno (Gor Mahia), Brian Aroko (Tusker Youth), Lorrine Illavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens), and others.
Notable alumni since the tournament’s inception include Atem Kato (Penn State Nittany Lions), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Brain Enock Wanyama (Tatung FC in Taiwan), Benson Omala (Nairobi United), David Majak (Kariobangi Sharks), Judith Osimbo (Ulinzi Starlets), Cynthia Livondo, among others.
Speaking at Calvary Sports Grounds in Nairobi, Kayole Starlets coach Joshua Sakwa praised the impact of Chapa Dimba in preparing players for professional careers:
“Tournaments like Safaricom Chapa Dimba provide players with technical skills, competitive experience, and exposure that helps them transition to professional football locally and abroad. Currently, five Chapa Dimba alumni are part of our squad. They bring quality, discipline, and ambition, which we believe will help us finish strong this season,” he said.
Kayole Starlets are currently in seventh position in the league but are targeting a top-three finish.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba is a national grassroots football tournament for youth aged 16–20, designed to develop talent, create pathways for professional football, and provide international exposure, transforming lives and elevating Kenya’s football standards.
