Chapa Dimba Stars Reveals Secrets of Spanish Football Training at SD Huesca Academy

Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars experienced elite training at SD Huesca, inspiring Kenyan youth with Spanish football’s tactics, discipline and opportunities.

Spain is quickly becoming the new destination for young Kenyan footballers chasing their European dreams. 

The football powerhouse now hosts several rising stars across different academies, with SD Huesca leading the way after recently hosting the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars tour.

Huesca, located in northeastern Spain and bordering Catalonia, Valencia, France, and Andorra, is  the proud home of SD Huesca, a team that plays in Spain’s second division league.

Recently, the  Chapa Dimba All-Stars touched down in Huesca where they were warmly received by two Kenyan teenagers, Denzel Omollo and Jibreel Ismail, who are based at the club’s academy.

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The visiting team shared training sessions and facilities with the pair, giving them a chance to experience life as professional football hopefuls.

 “I was really excited — at least I’d get to speak my language, Kiswahili. Here, not everyone speaks English,” Omollo said in an interview with Citizen TV.

“I really enjoyed playing with them. I missed playing with people from home, so it was good. These guys are very friendly,” added Jibreel .

Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars Were Given a Taste of Spanish Football

Sixteen-year-old Denzel Omollo was scouted in 2023 while playing for Ligi Ndogo in Nairobi before being selected to join SD Huesca’s academy.

 “The initial plan was for me to finish school first. But I thought if I stayed to finish school, time would pass me by. I pleaded with my dad to let me come earlier — and I did,” he revealed.

Life in Spain has forced Omollo to find a new balance between school and football.

The youngster attends classes during the day, takes a short break in the afternoon, studies Spanish in the evening, and trains at 7:30 p.m. 

Omollo notes that Spanish football is different from what he knew back home, with better facilities, tactical focus, and constant motivation.

 “I like how they motivate each other during play. They use phrases like no pasa nada — which means ‘don’t worry if you make a mistake, keep your head up, the game is still on.’ In Kenya, we say ‘game ni 90.’”

Both Jibreel and Omollo trained and played alongside the Chapa Dimba All-Stars, showcasing the intensity of Spanish football. 

“Once players come to Spain, there will be a vast change — in how they play, how they communicate, and how fast the ball moves,” said Omollo

The All-Stars also experienced structured nutrition and professional kits.

 “They know what they’re feeding you. They know what’s right for you because they want the best out of you. It may not always be pleasing, but it’s the best for a footballer,” Jibreel explained.

The week-long camp ended with friendly matches and coaching sessions, after which four players will be selected to return to Huesca for a one-year training opportunity alongside Denzel and Jibreel — a golden ticket to the European football dream.

Additional Information Citizen TV.