FKF Division Two Central Zone B champions, Kapkatet Youth, are optimistic ahead of the Division One promotion playoffs at Bomet IAAF Stadium, with the date yet to be announced.The Kericho-based team secured their spot by defeating Shalimar FC on the final day of the season, marking their successful bid for the mini-leagues after two previous unsuccessful attempts.The fourth-tier league in the region is divided into four zones. The champions from each zone meet at the end of the season to determine the overall winner, who then advances to FKF Division One Zone B.The runners-up face off against the runners-up from FKF Division Two Western Zone to determine the third team to advance.##NAJAVA_MECA_8154896##Representing Zone B, Kapkatet will compete alongside Vickers from Pool A, Gucha Stars, and Amani Youth from Kisumu for the coveted Division One slot.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Kapkatet Technical Director Kiplangat Koech emphasized the team’s rigorous training preparations ahead of the decisive fixtures, aiming to be the first team from their region to reach the third tier since Kamungei United’s relegation.”The season was long and competitive, but the boys chose to forgo rest because we know the playoffs will be tough,” Koech stated.”We are currently engaging in very intensive training and have scheduled high-profile friendlies to gauge our players against top sides. We have utmost faith in them delivering, judging by how they performed in Division Two games.”Koech praised the players for their perseverance, especially clinching the league title on the final day of the season.Amani keeping promotion hopes high ahead of play-offsBeing a community club, Kapkatet has juggled a better half of the season without a certified coach following the exit of former Mara Sugar head coach Steve Biko, but the young club administrator maintains that is not an issue ahead of the crucial encounters.“We have had an issue with composing a full technical bench, but that can only act as motivation; current training sessions are handled by some of the experienced players in the team under the watch of Team Manager Dennis Koech,” he remarked.Reflecting on the previous seasons’ shortcomings, Koech noted, “We have been victims of biases and internal issues among the players. At the start of this season, we selected a group of players we believed needed to progress their careers, and it has worked out.”He also lauded the club’s lead scorer, Collins Kiprono, who transitioned from a full-back to a forward and netted 12 goals alongside Victor Rutto.FKF Div. One: Michael Olunga Football Academy to announce new coach next month set plans for upcoming seasonWith the playoffs set for Bomet Stadium, Koech sees this as an advantage, urging fans to come out in large numbers to support the team.”Playing at Bomet feels like home. Let the fans come out and cheer the boys as we make history together.”In addition to the Central Zone B playoffs, the race to join Division One includes a mini-league playoff in the Western Zone, featuring Soy United, Obucuun Border, Hillside, and Mfalme.
