Bomet County’s reigning football champions, Kaplong Boys High School, are set to rekindle their fierce rivalry with Tenwek High School as the Bomet County Secondary School Games term two competition kicks off today.
The eagerly anticipated matches will be held at St Michael Secondary School and Itembe Secondary School sports grounds.
The showdown between these two football giants, who have been placed in the same group, promises to be electrifying.
Last year’s finals saw Kaplong Boys triumph over Tenwek in a nail-biting match that ended 2-1 after penalties, following a goal less draw. Tenwek Boys will be looking to avenge that defeat and reclaim their honor.
Both teams are in Pool B and their advancement in the competition will also depend on their performance against the host, St Michael, who are keen to exploit their home ground advantage.
Kaplong Boys’ Chief Principal, Mike Yator, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to retain the title for the second consecutive year.
“We are warning Tenwek that we are ready to face them because we are going into this championship with a mission to retain this title,” Yator declared.
School Games Master Kiplangat Bett emphasized the team’s discipline and strategic play.
“Our players are disciplined and normally, they play according to the instructions and we will bank on that because everything is possible in games,” he said.
Bett also highlighted their goal to secure a spot in the Rift Valley regional games scheduled for later this month in Bomet County.
In response, Tenwek coach Gideon Kemboi affirmed his team’s preparedness and determination.
“Kaplong should know that we are prepared for a tough duel with them, so we expect nothing but a win and to dethrone them,” Kemboi stated.
Pool A features Kapsimbiri Secondary School and Boito Boys Secondary School, both of which have already qualified for the semi-finals.
In the girls’ competition, Ndaraweta Girls Secondary School will face Meswondo Secondary School and Kamaget Secondary School in Pool B.
Pool A includes Kapchemibei Secondary School and Korara Secondary School, who have secured semi-final berths after two terms in their group.
Ndaraweta School Principal Norah Yegon spoke about the team’s readiness and the importance of not underestimating their opponents.
“We are motivated by the fact that we won from sub-zonal, zonal, and sub-county levels and now we are in the county. We will take every game seriously,” said Yegon.
She emphasized the need for her players to remain vigilant and not succumb to complacency.
In addition to football, the competition will feature volleyball, basketball 3×3, netball, 7-aside rugby, and racquet games, according to Bomet County Secondary Schools’ Sports Association Secretary Nicholas Kurgat.
By Lamech Willy.A
