South Rift pool table pros hold mega tourney in Narok, Bomet counties

Professional men from Narok and Bomet counties have organized a mega pool table tournament that has attracted over 60 players with an aim of using the game to foster cohesion between the two neighbouring counties.

Speaking during the launch of the tournament at Mara Junction Restaurant in Bomet, Bomet captain Geoffrey Cheruiyot said the tournament which is happening for the second time is intended to unify them and strengthen their bond.

He said that such tournaments will be rotating across the region and even nationally adding that the game has gained traction across the board.

Cheruiyot said the game is played by professionals and they were out to dismiss the notion that it is only played in gamblers' paradises.

He said youth, if well nurtured, will be able to play pool and earn a living instead of indulging in alcohol and drug abuse.

On his part, his Narok counterpart Molai Liaram of Narok Pool Club said he was excited for the invitation to participate in the tournament.

He has however appealed to the state to consider pool as another mainstream game and not a 'crooks' game and make it an economic sport.

Molai forecast that should all goes well they intend to come up with a South Rift combined pool team that will compete with others nationally.

Mark Maritim, one of the players who won his first game said he was upbeat for the tournament hailing the discipline and the cheering from both sides.

Noah Rono popularly known as "The Pipt" who won the first game could not hide his excitement saying pool is now creating clubs just like Golf.

Another participant from Narok known as "Bullet Njoroge termed pool as an alternative for the GenZs   instead of engaging in meaningless demos.

Winners from position one to four will get a certificate and some cash and the tournament will be over Sunday.