First-time participants Simotwet Secondary School etched their name in history after clinching the girls’ volleyball title during the just-concluded Narok County Secondary Schools Term Two Games, held at Maasai Girls Secondary School grounds on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The underdogs from Transmara East Sub-county pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating the defending champions, Rongena Secondary School, in straight sets (3-0), a victory that crowned a dream run in their debut appearance at the county level.
The final whistle was followed by an emotional outburst of celebration from players, coaches, and fans—many in tears of joy, hugging one another and singing songs of triumph.
Team captain Sheila Chebet said the win was a result of belief and teamwork.
“This game was very tough, but we told each other we were not going home empty-handed. We fought for every point. This victory means everything to us and our school,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.
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She added, “Coming from a small school, people didn’t expect us to make it past sub-county. But here we are, county champions. We’ve shown that hard work and unity can overcome experience and reputation.”
Coach Emmanuel Tuei credited the win to divine intervention, tactical preparation, and mental strength.
“It was by God’s hand. These girls played with their hearts. After Rongena beat us 3-2 in the preliminaries, we reviewed their game. We changed our approach, and the girls executed it perfectly,” he explained.
Tuei noted that nerves were high before the match, but the team settled as the game progressed.
“They were tense in the first few minutes, but once we got the first set, they gained confidence and started to believe this was possible,” he said.
“I told them, forget the crowd, forget the past. Play for the name on your jersey, for each other, and your school.”
School Parents Teachers Association Chairman Peter Sang called the victory a symbol of what rural schools can achieve with support and vision.
“This win is not just for Simotwet—it’s for all upcoming schools that feel overlooked. Our girls have shown that the size of the school does not determine the size of your dream,” he said.
He added that the school would now invest more in sports development:
“We have seen the impact of sports on these students—their confidence, discipline, and motivation. We’re going to support more girls and boys to shine.”
School Principal Sammy Wakaba was visibly emotional as he addressed the team after the win.
“You have made us proud beyond words. This is a landmark for our school. You’ve inspired not just your classmates but the entire community back home,” he said.
“We are no longer spectators—we are contenders. Our focus now shifts to preparing well for regionals, because the journey doesn’t end here.”
With this historic win, Simotwet Secondary School will now represent Narok County in the Rift Valley Regional Secondary School Games scheduled for July 15–20 in Uasin Gishu County.
For a school that had never even reached sub-county level before, their fairytale rise to county champions is now the stuff of legend—proof that dreams, no matter how unlikely, are valid.
By our reporter
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