Lions FC took home a grand prize of Sh1.2 million after they emerged winners of the third edition of the Kericho County annual football tournament sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
The Lions FC which comprises youth drawn from Soin Sigowet Sub-County secured their 5-4 penalty victory against Laibon FC from Ainamoi Sub-County in the grand finale tournament held Sunday evening at Kericho Green stadium.
During the tournament where thousands of residents thronged the Stadium in song and dance cheering their favourite teams, Laibon FC was ranked second in the tournament receiving Sh500, 000 cash prize.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi who was the chief guest congratulated the winners and noted that indeed more needed to be done to invest in the sporting talents of the youth in the country for them to earn a decent livelihood as they pursue their passion in the sporting disciplines.
“Thank you Senate Majority Leader and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot for the invite to attend the finals of Senator Kiptoyot Komas Kasit Cup at Kericho Green Stadium today,” he said.
“The soccer tournament offered local youth a great opportunity to showcase their talent and advance their career,” Kingi added.
Other leaders who graced the occasion included Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, Kericho woman Rep Beatrice Kemei, MPs Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East) Kibet Komingoi (Bureti), Nelson Koech (Belgut) among area MCAs.
Cheruiyot, the Kericho Senator who is the initiator of the tournament promised to remain committed to scouting for support and nurturing talent while empowering the young people to harness their full potential in the County.
Last year’s defending champions were Kapkatet FC who took home one million shillings after trouncing the international FC from Ainamoi Sub-County. However, in this year’s tournament, the defending champions – Kapkatet FC were knocked out in the Quarterfinals.
By Kibe Mburu
