The opening football match of the Rift Valley school games between Kaplong Boys High School from Bomet and Kabianga High School from Kericho was temporarily halted by anti-Tenwek fans at Bomet IAAF Stadium.
The disruption occurred when Kapsimbiri supporters began throwing stones at Kabianga fans, resulting in a skirmish that interrupted the game during its second half.
Kapsimbiri Secondary was disqualified from the Bomet school games for fielding ineligible players. Consequently, Kaplong Boys, who had previously lost in the finals last month with a 3-0 defeat, were declared champions following Kapsimbiri FC’s disqualification. This decision disappointed Kapsimbiri supporters, who then disrupted the game when Kaplong Boys were leading 1-0 and showed no signs of conceding.
The stone-throwing incident led to a clash between the supporters of both teams. The game resumed after police intervened and secured the areas where the clashes had occurred. Brian Kiplangat secured the win for Kaplong in the 49th minute by receiving a cross from Jackson Saitoti and firing a powerful shot past the opponent’s goalkeeper.
Kaplong Boys’ coach, Kiplangat Bett, remarked that the match was challenging but credited their victory to the players’ skills and discipline throughout the competition.
“I am happy for the win; this game was tough but my players employed all the tactics to secure this victory. My players are disciplined and followed the instructions that led to our victory,” remarked Bett.
In other preliminary matches, St Joseph Boys High School from Trans Nzoia beat Thingithu from Laikipia 2-0, while Laiser Hill Academy from Kajiado trounced Lelmokwo Boys High School from Nandi with a 7-0 victory in a one-sided match.
In volleyball, national champions Andersen High School and Kesogon Girls High School made a strong start by winning their opening matches comfortably.
In the boys’ competition, Andersen from Trans Nzoia defeated Isinya High School 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-21).
Meanwhile, former national and East Africa champions Cheptil High School from Nandi defeated Naiwatoron High School from Samburu 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13).
On the girls’ side, Kesogon Girls from Trans Nzoia thrashed Loima Secondary School from Turkana 3-0 (25-4, 25-2, 25-1), signaling their intention to retain the regional title.
Hosts Kaboson Girls High School capitalized on their home ground advantage and defeated New Light School from Uasin Gishu 3-0.
In another match, Nasokol Secondary School from West Pokot defeated Kipngorom High School from Baringo 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-18).
