Emkew Football Club are the champions of Elgeyo Marakwet Governor’s Cup held yesterday at the Iten Sports Club.
The Club, representing Marakwet West Sub-county defeated Kimuron FC of Keiyo North 2-1 in the thrilling final at the Iten Sports Grounds last evening in a filled to the brim with fans.
Emkew FC which beat Kapcherop FC during Marakwet West finals scored its opening goal from Kevin Kiprotich at the 31st minute before Ian Kiptum produced a screamer at 39th minilite to make it a 2-0 in the first half and Kumuron redeemed themselves with a 78th minute goal.
The four teams at the Governor’s Cup tournament semis and finals represented Keiyo South, Keiyo North, Marakwet West and East sub-counties.
Emkew coach Alex Yetor said the club is preparing Cleo Malala Cup before the end of the year.
“The team is good and we need to expand our bench. There is potential in playing in bigger league but with the prize we can work on the,” Yator, whose club plays in the Elgeyo Marakwet Branch League” Said Yator.
Preliminaries started at the Ward last month, producing 20 champions that proceeded to the sub-counties where 16 teams were eliminated, with four clubs qualifying for the county tournament.
At the semi-finals, Kimuron FC representing Keiyo North defeated Kipsaina FC of Keiyo South 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Marakwet West’s Emkew FC thrashed Masete of Marakwet East 3-0 to sail to the final.
Kipsaina defeated Masete (from Marakwet East) 5-1 in the playoffs to take the third place. Masete took the fourth position.
Patron of the tournament, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said the top talents will form a county football team that take part in the upcoming Talanta Hela national competition.
The Patron said the phenomenal football talents showcased and the huge number fans that thronged Iten Sports Grounds was indicator that a county known for producing athletics big shots had potential for football talent.
“The Governor Wa Raia Cup is happening after we successfully staged the Iten International Marathon (last December). The football tournament started all the way from the Ward level and we did not expect it would be huge,” said Rotich.