- The match was halted in the 23rd minute with St Joseph Girls enjoying a commanding 5-0 lead
- AIC Kessup midfielder sustained a severe injury during play, prompting immediate concern from players, coaches and spectators.
- Organisers have been urged to strengthen emergency preparedness at school competitions by ensuring ambulances and medical personnel are stationed at all playing venues
St Joseph Girls High School-Kitale secured a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing Rift Valley Secondary Schools Games in Narok after their quarter-final match against AIC Kessup was discontinued following a serious injury to one of the Kessup players.
The girls’ football encounter at Maasai Girls Grounds was halted in the 23rd minute with St Joseph Girls enjoying a commanding 5-0 lead.
The match came to an abrupt stop after an AIC Kessup midfielder sustained a severe injury during play, prompting immediate concern from players, coaches and spectators. The injured student was later rushed to Narok County Referral Hospital for further medical attention.
Following consultations among team officials, AIC Kessup opted not to continue with the fixture, effectively handing St Joseph Girls passage to the quater finals.
AIC Kessup Games Master Joseph Guyo said the incident had deeply affected the players, making it difficult for them to resume the match.
“Our players were emotionally shaken after seeing their teammate seriously injured. We felt they couldn’t continue competing under such circumstances,” said Guyo.
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He called on sports organisers to strengthen emergency preparedness at school competitions by ensuring ambulances and medical personnel are stationed at all playing venues.
The incident also sparked concerns over safety arrangements at the regional games, with some officials questioning the absence of an ambulance at the venue when the injury occurred.
Dr Joseph Kurui from Elgeyo Marakwet County expressed disappointment, saying valuable time was lost before the injured player could be transported to hospital.
“There should be adequate medical response teams at every venue. In this case, a private vehicle had to be used to take the player for treatment,” he said.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, both teams demonstrated admirable sportsmanship after the match was abandoned. Players from St Joseph Girls and AIC Kessup gathered on the field, exchanged greetings and offered prayers for the injured student.
In another girls’ football quarter-final, former national champions Itigo Girls booked their semi-final ticket after defeating Mogotio Girls 3-0.
By Jeff Kirui
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