Kapropita, Poror Mote and ASEC became the latest boy’s winners as the final round of the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom games in Baringo, Koibatek and Nakuru sub branches – all under Central Rift branch – took place on 16-17 February, 2019.
Kapropita beat hosts Mogotio 5-2 in a one-off final on Saturday as Poror Mote clinched the Koibatek edition at Eldama Ravine Stadium after topping a three-band group that had Kabimoi and Alfatah.
The highlight of the games was in Nakuru on Sunday at the Mazembe grounds where Nakuru All-Stars were bundled out at the sub branch semis games by Mwenge. The two tied 1-1 but it is Mwenge that sailed on after winning the post-match penalties 4-3.
Mwenge’s quest for the title however ended at the final hurdle as they went down 1-0 to ASEC.
The three latest winners will meet their counterparts from Kajiado, Nyandarua, Naivasha and Samburu for the Central Rift branch title on 23-24 February, 2019. The winner will qualify for the regional finals to be held at the Eldoret Showground on 23-24 March, 2019.
South Rift
Just as was the case in three sub branches of Central rift, action was also rife in two sub branches in South Rift.
In Bureti sub branch, Chebilat came through for the South Rift branch finals after winning a four-team pool that had Mogogosiek, CBG and Koiyet and Kapkatet Stadium on Sunday. They advance with Tulwet (girls) who were unchallenged in the area.
On the same day, at the Kipchimchim Secondary grounds, Kaptoboito Galarc emerged as the new Kericho boys sub branch champions after beating Tanisha 2-1.
Kaptoboito Galarc will be joined in the next stage of the games by Poiywek Starlets who overcame Kipkellion’s Chilchila in the girl’s final at the same venue.
On 23-23 February, 2019, the Kericho and Bureti sub branch winners will meet up with those from Narok, Bomet and Transmara in branch finals in Kericho for the lone boys and girls tickets to Eldoret.
North Rift
Down in North Rift, games advanced in Keiyo, Marakwet and Uasin Gishu sub branches. At the same time, grass root games concluded in Nandi South and Nandi North sub branches.
Chemase (boys) and Father Mair (girls) grabbed the Nandi South titles as Kayodester (boys) and Itigo Girls reigned in Nandi North.
Tumkas, Hoffenbach, Cheptiret and champions Mwiruti Secondary (boys) all made it to the final round of games in Uasin Gishu. They will be joined by Plateau Girls and Lower Kipkaren as well as the earlier qualified Eldoret Faclons and Mwiruti Secondary in the last round of games set for 23-24 February, 2019.
In Keiyo, Kapkessum Girls came through to join Iten Starlets and Kaptagat Girls in the final set of games.
For the boys, Lelboinet and St. Francis Kimuron from Iten will face off in the Keiyo sub branch finals next weekend.
In Marakwet, Kapsowar Young Stars, Kamoi FC, Chesewew Secondary and Kerio Valley Secondary (boys) all qualified for the final round.
In the girls category, Santa Maria ousted champions and hosts Moi Kapsowar on Sunday to become the new Marakwet girls champions. They topped a three-team pool that also had Sinon Day
Overall Rift plan
Next weekend, Central Rift and South Rift branches will hold their respective inter sub-branch games from where they will provide boys and girls winners for the regional final in Eldoret.
North Rift will get to that stage on 2-3 March, a weekend after Uasin Gishu, Keiyo and Marakwet sub branches complete their games and provide boys and girls sub branch winners.
Already, Solidarity Boys and Kitale Queens from North West Rift Branch are qualified for the Eldoret finals.