Machakos County emerged top in the Eastern Region Ball Games Competition held at the Machakos School grounds from Wednesday to Saturday.
The County topped the region which also included Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Kitui, and Makueni counties
Kwanthanze Girls Volleyball Team, Tala Girls Basketball Team, and Lukenya Boys Basketball Team all from Machakos County won the finals and will represent the region in the National competitions to be held later in Kakamega.
Kwanthanze are the reigning African Volleyball Champions and are set to represent the continent in the world championship in Germany later in the year.
In the Boys’ football, the host Machakos school lost to Matiliku Boys from Makueni County after a 2- 2 stalemate on regular time which resulted in extra time and penalties.
Matiliku won 5-4 in the shootouts after Machakos Boys’ playmaker Joshua Mutuku panicked during the spot kick and send a feeble shot right into the hands of the goalkeeper.
Earlier in the game Machakos school made a spirited comeback from a 2-0 thrashing in the first half to level in the second half even after one of their players was red-carded.
Machakos boys created more chances but it is Matiliku who seemed to hit the target with ease after swift counterattacks from wingers Robert Mutie and Pascal Kazungu who converted the few chances into goals.
In the end, the loud brass band of the Machakos School cheering squad led by Chief Principal Kahi Indimuli was silenced by the missed penalty and the regional academic giant was content to take second position in this year’s soccer championship.
“It’s not easy to win against a team which is one man down because every player in the remaining team plays extra to make up for the missing teammate but we were prepared for all scenarios including penalties,” said Matiliku coach Mr Kennedy Otieno after the game.
Matiliku Principal Johnstone Ndivo said they were now ready to face football powerhouses from other regions like St.Antony Boys in Kakamega.
“We know the likes of St Anthony Boys are national champions but we will face them. We will not be going there as underdogs,” said Mr Ndivo.
Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Vice-Secretary, Eastern Region Mr Luke Mwololo said the regional sports championship was successful and that they now looked forward to the national extravaganza in Kakamega.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti through County Youth and Sports Director Mr Onesmus Ituo sent her congratulatory message to all the participants saying the event showcased remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship from various teams from the Eastern region.
“As the winning teams prepare to compete at the National level, Governor Wavinya wishes them the best of luck and success in their endeavors,” said Mr Ituo.
By Stephen Muthini
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