PASC Langa striving for excellence after stellar show at Rift Valley Chapa Dimba

Newly crowned Rift Valley Safaricom Chapa Dimba Champions PASC Langa head coach Fredrick Owino has set lofty ambitions after claiming the title during the tournament staged in Nakuru a week ago.

The Eldoret-based team dispatched Laiser Hill Academy from Kajiado County 2-1 in the final to bag the prestigious regional gong.

The champions scored first through Samson Maina in the 58th minute before Benson Otieno doubled the score in the 67th minute while Joseph Oduor scored a consolation for Laiser in the 89th minute.

Prior to the final stage, PASC Langa had defeated Laiser Hill Mwenge FC 4-1 in the semifinal.

Speaking on their successful outing, Owino who doubles up as the head coach for Mwiruti secondary school praised his charges' zeal, noting that they had been preparing since 2017 when they first qualified for the regionals. He noted that they were meticulously sharpening claws for the title chase.

“We have embarked on our vigorous training as we know the task ahead to the national finals won’t be easy. Our aim is to win the national title,” said Owino.

The side whose majority of players reside in the sprawling area of Langas in Eldoret further lauded the boys' discipline, determination, and resilience. The team has not tasted a loss in their title hunt.

“The county competition was very tough, mostly finals against Eldoret city where we came from 1-0 to win 2-1. In the just concluded rift region, Ndura, which we faced in the semifinal was a very tough team but our resilience made a comeback from 2-0 down to level 2-2 and won 6-5 in spot kicks. Our final against Laiser Hill too was great but not as Ndura from Trans Nzoia. It was a good game, we got more scoring opportunities but converted 2,” Owino offered.

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The tactician also called on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to consider setting up a center of excellence to further nurture talents in the athletics-rich region.

“As we prepare for nationals I want to urge FKF management led by President Nick Mwendwa and CEO Barry Otieno to set up an excellence center at Mwiruti secondary because the majority of these players come from the school to nurture talents,” Owino disclosed.

In the girls’ category, Wiyeta Girls defeated Trinity Mission Girls from Nakuru County by a solitary goal from Margy Mellitus in the 69th minute to successfully defend their second consecutive regional title.

They join Ebwali FC and Brenda Girls from Western and Obunga FC and Plateau Queens, also known as Nyakach Girls, who have already qualified for next year’s national finals.

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