By Javier Silas Omagor
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) athletics club famed junior runner Rogers Kibet is through to the next round of the ongoing World Junior Championships 2022.
Kibet is part of the Ugandan contingent representing the country and being overseen by Coach Charles Mukiibi.
Running in the Colombian city of Cali, Kibet looked freshly strong from start to finish with the qualification bracket under his belt.
After four laps of the 3km distance, the teenager took the lead, dominating the proceedings all the way until three laps to go when he tactically opted to drop into the already qualifying chasing pack.
Kibet posted a time of 7mins, 57seconds and 18 microseconds.
“It was so nice and I feel my body is in good shape. I made all the necessary adjustments and I noticed that my composure will even be better enough for the finals,” the youngster told The Kampala Sun in his post-match interview.
The KCCA eminently talented junior will now take a much needed rest to allow his recovery ahead of the finals, which is only a few days away.
Kibet’s club coach Fred Cherich was thrilled by his performance.
“I know the startlist of this event (3,000m) is full of stars, but I am confident that he will do great in the finals. For me, Kibet is the favourite,” Cherich said.
Kibet is also signed up by Netherlands-founded Global Sports Communication Agency, where he trains under Dutchman Addy Ruiter.
Having delightfully watched Kibet conjure his pathway into the finals, Ruiter wants his prospect to be more collected in the finals.
“Rogers Kibet and teammate Dan Kibet (both coached by him) have impressed me, but must make a hard race in the finals, given the fact that some chaps from Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea looked faster in the last lap,” Ruiter cautioned.
It should be noted that Dan Kibet finished second in his heat after recording a time of 7mins, 59seconds and 71microseconds.
Hopefully, the Kibets will respond to their coach who is famed for his vast experience that has benefited the likes of Joshua Cheptegei, Halima Nakaayi, Victor Kiplangat and Peruth Chemutai and other serial winners under Global Sports Communication camp.
The two Kibets will be back in action on Friday morning, August 5, at 1:00am local time.
