Newly-crowned Sports Personality of the Month of August Aldrine Kibet is set to be celebrated with a thanksgiving mass at his backyard in Poror, Baringo County ahead of his departure to Spain.
The St. Anthony’s Boys’ Kitale player was the star attraction at the 2023 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Games in Kakamega, where he led his team to reclaim the football title.
Due to his prowess in football, Kibet will be honoured in his backyard ahead of travel to Spain’s Nastic Sports Academy.
Organisers of the Thanksgiving ceremony on Saturday said Kibet is the first person from the region to play top-class football.
“We give glory to God for Kibet’s opportunity to join Nastic Sports Academy in Spain. We invite you to a thanksgiving mass to be held at our residence in Poror, Eldama Ravine on Saturday, September 9, 2023, starting at 10 am,” read the invitation card in part.
One of the neighbours involved in the planning, Barnaba Kitilit said the boy has set a good trend in the area as the first international football talent from the village.
“He is the first international football talent from our village and this is a blessing," said Kitilit, who works with Kibet's dad in the same school as a teacher.
The 17-year-old footballer was exceptional in August, scoring seven goals, including two in the final at the Kenya National School Games in Kakamega.
His outstanding performance helped his school win the national title, and he was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
“This award is another huge motivation especially as I prepare to travel to Spain for trials. This came as a surprise. I am thankful for the award and I promise to do better in my football career.”
It was the first time a student won the LG/SJAK monthly award since Gor Mahia’s Benson Omalla (then a student at Kisumu Day and a player of Western Stima) was feted three years ago. For his achievement, Kibet was awarded an LG 55” NanoCell TV retailing at Sh118,000.