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KSSSA Bomet leadership has changed the boys’ football semi-final fixtures, citing safety concerns and past incidents of violence linked to high-stakes matches.
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The venue was changed from Bomet IAAF Stadium to Silibwet Stadium, where the reigning football champions Kaplong Boys High School will now face it off with Kapsimbiri Secondary School.
The leadership of the Bomet County Secondary School Sports Association has made last-minute changes to the boys’ football semi-final fixtures, citing safety concerns and past incidents of violence linked to high-stakes matches.
Initially, the reigning football champions Kaplong Boys High School were scheduled to face Kapsimbiri Secondary School at the Bomet IAAF Stadium.
However, the match was abruptly moved to Silibwet Stadium just hours before kickoff.
In another semi-final clash, Tenwek High School were set to play minnows Chepwostuet Day Secondary School at Silibwet Stadium, but the fixture was instead relocated to Bomet IAAF Stadium. The swap effectively reversed the original scheduling for both matches.
According to an official within the organizing committee, Silibwet Stadium was considered safer compared to Bomet IAAF Stadium due to concerns over potential crowd trouble.
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The decision was influenced by fears of violence reminiscent of incidents reported two years ago during a tense final involving Kaplong Boys and Kapsimbiri.
The violence had immediate consequences, including the disqualification of Kapsimbiri Secondary School from the competition.
The decision comes at a time when thousands of fans had already thronged both venues on the previous day, creating an electrifying atmosphere across the county.
Supporters turned up in large numbers at both Bomet IAAF Stadium and Silibwet Stadium to rally behind their teams, underscoring the growing popularity of school sports in the region.
By Philip Koech
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