Kapenguria Heroes football team has received a hero’s welcome back home after their impressive performance at the Chapa Dimba Safaricom.
The team after beating Gor Mahia Youth 3-0 on post match penalties after a barren draw during the finals held at Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega on Sunday 25th taking home one million shillings and are expected to travel to London for a training and mentorship program with Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama.
Business came to standstill as thousands of residents came out to welcome and catch a glimpse of the now famous team and golden Trophy.
Fans of the little known Kapenguria Heroes which shoot their way to fame thronged the streets of Makutano Town, singing and dancing heading to the County headquarters in Kapenguria to meet the area Governor Prof John Lonyangapuo.
The teams were received by Pokot traditional dancers and jubilation rented the air as they marked a historic moment.
The welcoming party was led by West Pokot county governor Prof John Lonyangapuo and other county top official’s who crowned and congratulated the two teams with songs of praises.
Lonyangapuo lauded the two teams Kapenguria Heroes and Tartar Maroon promised to set up two stadiums standardized modern in the County.
He praised the team for the win.
“We have changed from being cattle rustlers to soccer rustlers, academic, farming and business rustlers. Those who normally say nothing good can come from West Pokot are in for a rude shock after the team defeated 1600 teams in the whole Country ,”he said.
He said the County Government will built a soccer academy and an athletics camp in Kapenguria town to help nurture youths talents
The joyful prof Lonyangapuo rewarded the teams with goodies giving both Kapenguria heroes and the mighty maroons shillings 100,000 each and promised to organize for a breakfast date to the state house in April this year.
Lonyangapuo added that he will issue a cheque of Ksh220,000 for Tartar girls 22 student players to cater for their school fees since they had managed to be among the top.
Gabriel Poriot midfielder said reiterated that their success at the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Tournament has been a culmination of good planning and dreaming big.
Their top striker David Majak, who scored 15 goals in the entire tournament, is already signed on a long term contract at Kakamega Homeboyz as well as the team captain Fredrick Krop. The trio of goalkeeper Brian Lumumba, Emmanuel Krop and Brian Kakupo have also joined the youth side of Zoo Kericho FC.