Uasin Gishu County Talanta Hela coaches Fredrick Owino 9for the boys) and Robert Simiyu (for the girls) are optimistic that their teams will dominate the tournament that kicks off on Friday morning at the Kipchoge Keino stadium.
The three day event will see four counties of Central Rift battle for top honours seeking a ticket for the national championships with the country having been divided into 12 regions.
The Central Rift consists of hosts Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Baringo who will be facing off in the round robin format in the three day championships that starts on Friday morning to Sunday afternoon.
Owino said that the preparations are over and ready for the championships with the aim of winning the title now that they are the hosts, who need to dominate at home.
“We have been training well here at Mwiruti High school before heading to the boys camp at Chebisaas Boys later this evening (Thursday) ahead of the tournament. We need to perform well at this time now that we have an opportunity to give our young players a chance to showcase their talents,” said Owino.
The man, who coached Mwiruti and for the first time reached Rift Valley Secondary Schools said that he had to scout for top players from schools that reached semifinals during school games and blended with club players.
“I had to go for the best and we managed to get players from various schools as well as clubs. Those at the clubs, we had to ensure that they were at the required age group. We have those who dropped out of school due to school fees and they play for clubs. Others completed school while they were young, so we had to give them a chance,” added Owino.
Owino charges will start off with Baringo on Friday morning followed by Nandi on Saturday then Baringo on Sunday.
His girls’ counterpart Simiyu said his team had already reported to the camp at the Moi Girls’ Eldoret in readiness for the show.
Just like owino, Simiyu said that he selected players from various institutions to come up with a formidable team to see them shine.
“I used to watch various girls play football and that is how it was easy for me to come up with the team,” said Simiyu.
As football coach at the Moi Girls’ he led his team to reach the county championships failing to defend their title said that he won the coach of the girls due to his record of coaching.
“My record in girls’ football speaks a lot. My journey started at the Plateau girls and now in Moi girls. This shows that I am in good books with the girls and that is how I was picked as head coach,” added Simiyu.
The hosts will begin their title race against Baringo on Friday followed by Elgeyo Marakwet on Saturday and complete against Nandi come Sunday.