By Reuben Olita -Busia
Kokare FC on Thursday won their maiden Kokare Annual Football Festival title after edging out Kocholia Leeds 4–3 on post-match penalties in a thrilling final played at Kokare Comprehensive School before a capacity crowd.
The hotly contested encounter had attracted several dignitaries, among them tournament sponsor Dr Oita Etyang, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Busia Branch Chairman Eugene Okello, Malaba South MCA Bonface Mamai, former FKF North Western Branch stakeholder and veteran referee Solomon Itubo, and former Busia County Chief Officer for Education and Vocational Training Joel Barua, among others.
Both teams started brightly, creating early chances, but solid defending and disciplined midfield play ensured neither side could break the deadlock. The match ended goalless at both halftime and full time. Due to impending darkness, organisers ordered the contest to be decided by post-match penalties.
Kokare goalkeeper Tobias Ikapolok emerged as the hero of the day, saving two spot kicks to hand his side their first piece of silverware since the inception of the Oita-sponsored tournament. Kokare currently feature in the Busia County League, where they finished 12th last season.
Kocholia Leeds converted their first two penalties through David Papah and Dan Nakitari before Ikapolok saved efforts from Mark Wasike and striker Tobias Enarach. Leeds’ third successful kick was converted by Nicholas Orodi, but the missed penalties proved costly.
Kokare were flawless from the spot, converting all their penalties through Eugene Barasa, Billy Barasa, Jacob Etyang, and Elias Etee, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans who poured onto the pitch to celebrate the historic triumph.
The champions had endured a dramatic path to the final. In the semi-finals against defending champions Yards FC of Ikapolok, two matches ended without a winner due to both on- and off-field challenges. A replay was ordered, but it also failed to produce a winner after Kocholia Leeds protested a second-half penalty awarded to their opponents and declined to continue, leading to their disqualification and Kokare advancing to the final.
Kokare captain Billy Barasa attributed the victory to hard work and consistent training but highlighted challenges facing the team, including lack of training kits, boots, and jerseys. He thanked sponsor Dr Oita Etyang for staging the tournament during the festive season, noting that it helped keep many youths away from drugs and crime.
Leeds captain Clarkson Ongiro said his team played well but were undone by missed penalties.
“In football, there is always a winner and a loser. Panic and lack of confidence cost us, but we urge our fans to continue supporting the team,” he said.
FKF Busia Branch chairman Eugene Okello thanked Dr. Oita for having kept the youth busy during the festive season, promising their support in future events.
Sponsor Dr. Oita Etyang praised the quality of football and the turnout, pledging continued support for the tournament.
“This event brings the youth and the community together and helps identify talent. Next year, we will enhance the awards and expand participation to include teams from Bungoma and across Busia County,” he said.
Kokare walked away with a trophy, gold medals, a football, and KSh50,000, while runners-up Kocholia Leeds received a trophy, a ball,and Ksh35,000. Kapina FC, who finished third, earned a trophy, a ball, and Ksh20,000.
In the 21-kilometre half marathon held alongside the tournament, Aggrey Etyang emerged the winner, clocking 1 hour, 32 minutes and 4 seconds to pocket KSh15,000. The runner-up received KSh10,000, while the third-placed athlete earned KSh5,000. Additional awards were presented to athletes and ajua players, with the ceremony capped by an exhibition from Amagoro-based karatekas.
