By Oscar Pilipili

Cheptil boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams have been constant features in Airtel Rising Stars National Finals.

The season 2011 was very successful for the boys’ team as they were crowned East African and National schools champions.

The girls did not disappoint either as they managed silver in both events.

The two teams have characteristically qualified for this year’s event and Coach Barno Cheruiyot is beating the drums of war ahead of the annual games which will be staged in Mombasa on August 6-12.

Cheruiyot, who coaches the boys’ team, has clearly indicated that their target is to return home with two gold medals.

He said: “The boys’ team has high chances of retaining the trophy because they have prepared well and players are psyched for contest.”

 “The performance of the girls has been great though they have never won the trophy for the last four year,” said Cheruiyot.

Gained experience

Cheruiyot said that both his teams have been training since January by participating in national tournaments and the experience they have gained will be of great use in Mombasa.

“The girls are eager to emulate the boys and there are great indications that they would occupy the top position at the end of the games,” he said.

The last tournament where Cheptil teams competed was Paul Bitok International Championships where they won schools and colleges category at Eldoret Polytechnic on June 1, 2012.

Leading Cheruiyot’s charges in the boys’ contest is talented Sila Kipruto was instrumental to the team’s victory during the previous Championships at Moi Forces Academy Nairobi.

Dependable player

Kipruto will be supported by Eldoret Stima net player Ben Yego who is the other dependable player in the team.

Kipruto joined Cheptil from Malava last year and his presence in the Rift Valley team was instantly felt after he guided them to both regional and national titles.

The girls’ team, which is coached by Grace Bett, will bank on Lilian Kipkemei and Fosca Kasisi who both turn out for National League side Blue Triangle.

Cheptil teams will also enjoy the services of Blue Triangle coach Sammy Kirongo will be offering them technical support in Mombasa.

The Rift Valley teams both qualified for the National Finals without dropping a set throughout their campaign in zonals and provincial championships.

Cheptil have shown tremendous improvement in performance ever since the institution was identified as United Nations Children Education Fund/Government of Kenya center of excellence two years ago.

Cheruiyot stated that the Unicef’s support has enabled the institution purchase standard equipment and engage qualified coaches for the teams.

Cheptil boys play their pool matches against Mukumu of Western, Ngutani of Eastern and Central’s Tetu.