It has been a week full of competition and dramatic appeals in the recent school games. Wiyeta Girls from Trans Nzoia and Kaplong Boys from Bomet have managed to overcome these challenges and hence will go out to represent their counties in the upcoming Rift Valley Regional Championships in Bomet County.
An appeal by St Joseph’s Girls High School against the former national football champions, Wiyeta Girls, claiming that Wiyeta fielded ineligible players during their match played at Kipkeikei Secondary School fell apart. The slim 1-0 victory to Wiyeta stood firm after a six-man probe at the county director’s office. The ruling paves the way for Wiyeta to continue grasping regional and national glory.
Kaplong Boys High School find themselves in a similar case. Following their 3-0 loss to Kapsimbiri Secondary School at Bomet IAAF Stadium, they appealed against the result, citing fielding of ineligible players by Kapsimbiri. The appeal was upheld and led to Kapsimbiri’s disqualification for further competitions. The decision means Kaplong Boys will now represent Bomet County at the Rift Valley Regional Championships set for July 16.
Ahead of these games, Kaplong Boys’ coach, Mike Yator, was optimistic. This opportunity has rekindled their dreams, especially following their exit in the quarterfinals last year. “Following the disqualification of Kasimbiri, Kaplong Boys will participate in the forthcoming Rift Valley Regional Championships,” the ruling said.
A second appeal between St Anthony Boys High School and St Joseph’s Boys High School has yet to be decided. St Anthony, on the wrong end of a 2-0 defeat against St Joseph, came back with an appeal that their opponents used players who were not eligible. It represented the end of St Anthony’s incredible 22-year unbeaten record in the county, so the decision was more important.
St Joseph Boys’ Game teacher, Austin Musumba, called for sportsmanship. “This is football, and we must have a winner and a loser. We have lost to them before and always shook hands. We expect them to do the same,” he said. This reaction underlines the competitive aspect but respect that characterizes the school games.