The opening football match during the Rift Valley school games between Kaplong Boys High School from Bomet and Kabianga High School of Kericho was temporarily called off by anti-Tenwek fans at Bomet IAAF Stadium.

The fans, predominantly Kapsimbiri supporters, began hurling stones at Kabianga fans, leading to a skirmish that disrupted the game in its second half.

Kapsimbiri Secondary was, in turn, disqualified from the Bomet school games for fielding ineligible players.

Kaplong Boys, who had lost in the finals last month after getting pipped  3-0, were declared champions after Kapsimbiri FC’s disqualification, causing disappointment among their fans, who reacted by disrupting the game when Kaplong Boys were leading 1-0, showing no signs of conceding. 

The stone-throwing led to a competitive clash between the two sets of supporters.

The game resumed after police intervention and the areas where the clashes occurred were secured.

Brian Kiplangat saved the Kaplong team in the 49th minute after receiving a cross from Jackson Saitoti and unleashed a powerful shot that easily beat the opponent’s goalkeeper.

According to Kaplong Boys coach Kiplangat Bett, the match was challenging, but they prevailed due to their 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).