- Kinale Girls successfully defended their national rugby sevens title, Butula Boys stormed into the rugby final, while Ikutha Girls won their maiden basketball 3×3 championship during the KSSSA Term Two National Games in Thika.
- The latest victories set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the national championships and the race for East Africa Games qualification.
Kinale Girls retained their KSSSA national rugby sevens title while Butula Boys booked a place in the boys’ final and Ikutha Girls made history by winning their maiden basketball 3×3 crown during the KSSSA Term Two National Games at M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County.
Central Region champions Kinale successfully defended their title after beating Kimobo Secondary School from Western Region 19-7 in an entertaining girls’ rugby sevens final to lift their second consecutive national trophy.
Kinale had reached the final after edging Mbakhalo Secondary School from Western Region 12-10 in a tightly contested semi-final, while Kimobo secured their place in the title decider with a convincing 17-5 victory over St Teresia Girls from Eastern Region.
Kinale captain Rahab Njeru attributed the triumph to teamwork and determination.
“We are excited to have defended our title. The players remained focused throughout the tournament and gave everything on the pitch. We appreciate our Chief Principal Vulfrida Simiyu for her unwavering support,” said Njeru.
Chief Principal Vulfrida Simiyu, who also serves on the team’s technical bench, praised the players for their commitment and discipline.
“The girls have worked hard despite preparing under difficult circumstances. They remained disciplined, trusted one another and followed the coaches’ instructions. They fully deserved this victory,” said Simiyu.
Butula storms into boys’ rugby final
In the boys’ rugby sevens competition, former East Africa champions Butula Boys from Western Region produced another commanding display to thrash Cardinal Otunga High School from Nyanza 26-0 and qualify for the final.
Butula had survived a tough semi-final after edging regional rivals Bokoli Boys 14-12, while Cardinal Otunga defeated Upper Hill School from Nairobi 10-5 to reach the last four.
Butula coach Bonfotra Alumasa said his side executed their tactics perfectly.
“We used all the tricks to deny our opponents possession of the ball, and that made the difference. The boys followed the game plan well and deserved the victory,” said Alumasa.
School Chief Principal Josphat Otsieno expressed confidence that the team would continue their impressive run.
“We knew we would win the match because the boys were well prepared. We now want to represent Kenya with pride during the East Africa Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, and we will not let the country down,” said Otsieno.
Ikutha wins first national basketball 3×3 title
In basketball 3×3, Eastern Region champions Ikutha Girls etched their names in history by winning their first-ever national title after defeating Cheptil Girls from Rift Valley 11-4 in the final.
Coach Ken Kingondi said the victory ended years of frustration after falling short at previous championships.
“We have been coming to the national games since 2024 without winning the title. Finally achieving this dream is a great reward for the players, the school and everyone who has supported us,” said Kingondi.
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The historic triumph was witnessed by Senior Principal Elizabeth Mati, who congratulated the team on their remarkable achievement.
In the boys’ basketball 3×3 final, Agoro Sare High School from Nyanza defeated regional rivals St Mary’s Yala 15-13 to emerge national champions.
By Andrew Kakhame
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