Grade three pupil from Bulanda Primary School in Busia County Selpha Mung’ala produced another sensational feat at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on Saturday to join Team Western for the national cross-country championships.
The Championships are slated for February 8, 2020 at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
The diminutive Selpha finished third in the 5km under 18 girl’s categories in 21 minutes 19.19 seconds to join five others who took the first six positions for the national championships.
Pheline Cheruto from Bungoma County emerged winner in 20:12.40 with Naomi Chepkwemoi also from Bungoma taking second position in 20:23.33.
” I would have finished second in the grueling race, but I slowed down after an opponent elbowed me. That aside, I am happy for qualifying for the national finals and I promise to produce another magnificent feat in Nairobi to join Team Kenya for the African junior championships in Lome, Togo,” Selpha said.
Another Busia athlete who qualified for the national championships is Harriet Asito, a standard seven pupil of Apatit Primary School in Teso South who finished sixth in the same race.
Athletics Kenya Western Region chairman Mr Patrick Kipsang regretted the incident where Selpha was elbowed.
He lauded Selpha for her splendid show saying the sky is the limit for the rising star.
Kenyan head coach Juma Ndiwa promised Selpha racing shoes and free coaching at Kaptama high altitude camp in Mt Elgon.
Selpha’s Games teacher-cum-coach Jane Khaira said something nice emanates from Mayenje village while AK Busia chairman, Martin Kabaka said Selpha has made Busia proud, expressing optimism of excelling in her athletics career.
A total of 36 athletes were selected to represent the region in Nairobi.
Team manager is Rolex Ndiwa, coach (Shisoka Akaka), chaperon (Sarah Muhonja) and assistant team manager Abel Okiror.
Team Western:
- 5km U-18 girls: Pheline Cheruto, Naomi Chepkwemoi, Selpha Mungala, Vivian Miwayo, Brenda Karani and Harriet Asito.
- 6km junior men: Sammy Kiprop, Dennis Kororia, Emmanuel Wafula, Gedion Rotich, Ezekiel Bera and Michael Chematot.
- 6km junior women:Janet Chepkoech, Miriam Cherokony, Sella Boiyo, Phena Yego, Anne Masibo and Phanice Chemai.
- 8km junior men: Felix Korir, Emmanuel Marua, Felix Kibet, Maxwell Kimwatich, Johnstone Melly and Brian Kiptoo.
- 10km junior women: Sarah Naibei, Nancy Chepkwemoi, Naomi Chebet, Susan Chebet, Doris Muhonja and Sarah Musimbi.
- 10km senior men: Peter Langat, Kennedy Kibiego, Peter Mayabei, Enos Kales, Leon Nduma and Kenneth Kimtai.