Sports
St. Joseph Boys High School from Trans nzoia County emerged as the new football champions of the Rift-Valley region after a thrilling final against Laiser Hill Academy from Kajiado County. The match, which took place at Silibwet Stadium on Saturday, marked a triumphant conclusion to the tournament.
St Joseph Boys opened the scoring in the 21st minute when their prolific striker Tony Mwale capitalized on defensive errors to put the ball in the net. The champions continued to dominate in the second half, with Elijah Kuir extending their lead to 2-0 in the 65th minute.
Despite a late opportunity for Laiser Hill to score a consolation goal, St Joseph’s goalkeeper Jeremiah Majani saved a penalty by Memusi Siololo, securing the victory. On their journey to the finals, St Joseph Boys decisively defeated Ortum Boys High School from West Pokot 5-0.
Laiser Hill Academy reached the final by overcoming Kaplong Boys High School 5-4 in penalties following a goalless draw. The final match attracted a significant audience, including Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Trans nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, and St Joseph Boys Chief Principal Cosmas Nabungolo.
St. Joseph Boys High School (in blue) in action with Laiser Hill Academy (in white) during the final match at Silibwet stadium in Bomet County.
Following the game, an elated Nabungolo praised his players for their outstanding performance throughout the tournament. He also expressed his anticipation for the upcoming national competition in Kisumu. St Joseph Girls High School showcased their resilience in the girls’ category by defeating Nasokol Girls High School 2-1 at Bomet IAAF Stadium.
Under the leadership of Principal Rosebella Munzala Orwaro, the new champions from Transnzoia County scored through Mwanaidi Nzaka and Miriam Sirari. St. Joseph Girls reached the finals by edging out Trinity Mission School from Nakuru County 1-0, while Nasokol Girls overwhelmed Moi Girls High School 7-1.
In boys’ volleyball, former national and East Africa champions Cheptil High School made a strong comeback to the national stage. The Nandi County school dethroned current national champions Arnesen Boys High School with a commanding 3-0 victory.
Cheptil reached the finals by defeating St. Patrick High School from Elgeyo-Marakwet County, while Arnesen Boys beat Uasin Gishu’s Simat High School. In the girls’ volleyball competition, national champions Kesogon Girls High School retained their regional title by defeating AIC Kosirai Secondary School 3-0.
Kesogon Girls dismissed Bomet’s Kaboson Girls Secondary School 3-0 in the semi-finals, while AIC Kosirai overcame Trinity Mission Girls with the same scoreline. The tournament showcased the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of the Rift-Valley region’s secondary schools, setting the stage for intense competition at the national level.