- St Joseph Girls reclaimed the girls’ title by defeating defending champions Nasokol Girls of West Pokot County 3-1
- Tenwek High School produced a dramatic turnaround to beat Menengai High School 3-2
St Joseph Girls High School-Kitale and Tenwek High School emerged as the new Rift Valley secondary schools football champions after impressive performances in the regional finals held in Narok County.
Former champions St Joseph Girls reclaimed the girls’ title by defeating defending champions Nasokol Girls of West Pokot County 3-1 in a thrilling final.
Pearl Olesi opened the scoring for the Trans Nzoia-based side before Conny Ayieko and Sharon Ayieko added two more goals to seal the victory. Sharon Kigai scored Nasokol’s lone goal.
St Joseph Girls Principal Dr Rosebella Munzala praised her players and technical bench for their commitment throughout the tournament.
“We thank God for this success. The girls worked hard and remained focused from the first match to the final. Winning the regional title is a great achievement, but our attention now shifts to the national games,” she said.
Dr Munzala noted that the school hopes to make a strong impact at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national championships in Thika and eventually challenge for honours at the East Africa games.
In the boys’ final, tournament newcomers Tenwek High School produced a dramatic turnaround to beat Menengai High School 3-2 and claim their first regional football title.
Menengai looked set for victory after Griffin Shollei and Luis Wasike scored within two minutes of each other to give their side a 2-0 lead before halftime.
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However, Tenwek responded brilliantly in the second half. David Sapur struck twice to level the scores before Emmanuel Alando completed the comeback with the winning goal.
Tenwek coach Simwa Nyongesa hailed his players for their fighting spirit and belief.
“Many people did not expect us to reach this stage, but the boys remained confident and showed great character. This victory means a lot to the school and the entire community,” said Nyongesa.
Elsewhere, Chepsaita High School from Uasin Gishu County won the boys’ volleyball title after beating Andersen High School 3-0 in the final.
Kesogon Mixed Secondary School successfully defended the girls’ volleyball crown by overcoming AIC Kosirai of Nandi County.
Laiser Hill Academy claimed the boys’ basketball title with an 18-16 victory over Lodwar High School, while St Joseph Girls added the girls’ basketball trophy after edging Cheptil Girls 13-10.
Utumishi Boys Academy emerged winners in scrabble, with Kapsabet Boys finishing second, while Andersen dominated netball, thrashing Chepsaita 88-9 in the final.
The regional champions will now turn their focus to the national games set for later this month in Thika, where they will represent Rift Valley in various disciplines.
By Jeff Kirui
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