ST Josephs FC from Nakuru beat the Eldoret-based Hostprings 1-0 to win the Rift Valley Provincial mini-league held over the weekend at Hill School in Eldoret.

St. Joseph's encountered a tough challenge from Hostprings in regulation time, forcing them into extra time. Playing with pride and confidence, the victors exhibited excellent play as they clinched a 1-0 victory over their opponents at the own backyard.

Hot springs capitalised on their firm defence and excellent mid-field coordination to counter the victor's attacks in the first half which ended 0-0. On resumption, St. Joseph's overwhelmed their opponents but their striking force remained blunt, ending the first 90 minutes goal-less.

It was not until the 118th minute that Joseph Otieno leapt passed Hot springs defenders, dogged the keeper before slotted the ball into the net. Crispin Abuya, the team's tactician said they are confident of performing well at the next level of the Football Kenya Federation League.

"The team played well although we missed a number of clear chances. We will work on that before the season opens ," Abuya said. In their respective semis, Hotsprings beat Koisagat 4-0 while St. Joseph hammered Black Stars 2-0 to book a date in the final.

The league was meant to promote the winner to the Nationwide One League but the officials are yet to agree on the mode of promotion. "We are still discussing if the team will be promoted or we will have to play with Western and Nyanza teams before uplifting them to the next level," FKF Rift Valley Province Koech Ruto said.