T. NashipaeStrathmore shines at varsity ball games
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 03.04.23. | 13:25
Strathmore University emerged as the top team in the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) ball games, held at the University of Eldoret from March 31-April 2, winning six out of seven possible medals
Strathmore University left the Home of Champions, Eldoret, with six medals out of the possible seven to see them occupy the top position in the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) ball games that were held at the University of Eldoret from March 31-April 2.
In basketball, Strathmore Blades edged Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 61-56 (16-9, 24-17, 14-14, 07-16) in a highly contested match. To qualify for the finals stage, the Blades had beaten Kenya Methodist University 73-36 (14-8, 14-12, 22-08, 23-08) while ANU had seen off Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) 54-46 (12-12, 10-19, 08-04, 15-10, 09-01).
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Blades coach Tony Ochieng described ANU as a worthy opponent.
“We had a very solid team. All the departments were very competitive and we had experience because all these players play in the Premier League. We knew it was going to be a tough game, especially playing ANU which is a good team. Our game plan was to take a huge lead and it worked best for us,” Coach Tony disclosed.
Strathmore Blades and ANU will face off next weekend in the KBF Premier League game.
Strathmore went on to win the hockey men’s and women’s titles, volleyball men and women, and they claimed silver in basketball women. They now shift focus to the upcoming nationals to be held in December.
Zetech ladies won the basketball finals against Strathmore ladies by a score of 48-21 (14-07, 16-05, 10-07, 09-02). Zetech had defeated JKUAT in the semis 36-13 while Strathmore saw off Laikipia 56-18.
What the organizers said
According to the organizers of the 15th edition of the KUSF ball games, the event was a resounding success despite starting off on a low after eight Pwani University students and three staff members died in an accident on their way to the games.
“It has been a very successful championship and more thanks to the host university and the entire community of Uasin Gishu for enabling us to reach this far. I want to thank all the universities that were able to come and all the conferences that represented. The first day was marred by news of the bad accident that involved students and colleagues from Pwani University but God has enabled us to reach this far,” Joseph Sandagi, the KUSF Secretary-General concluded.
Uasin Gishu CEC member of sports, youth affairs, ICT, and innovation Engineer Lucy Ng’endo, also praised the success of the championships and assured the schools of support from the County Government.
“We are happy that this is the 15th edition of the KUSF ball games and we are happy that they went well. I was privileged to be part of the leaders who witnessed this. Sports is in the heartbeat of Uasin Gishu County. It is a home of champions so we are privileged and we want to appreciate everyone for taking part in this,” Engineer Ng’endo concluded.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology took position two while Zetech emerged third. JKUAT and Mount Kenya wrap up the top five teams. Murang’a, Gretsa, Lukenya, and Kabianga are at the bottom of the table.
