KU, JKUAT and Zetech dominate KUSF Women Championships on Women’s Day
Kenyatta University (KU), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Zetech University celebrated International Women’s Day in style after dominating the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) Women Championships held at Taita Taveta University grounds in Voi.
After finishing second last year behind Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), KU bounced back strongly to defeat University of Eldoret (UOE) and claim the football title.
Sheila Juma and Hope Wandera scored a goal in each half to guide KU to a comfortable 2–0 victory over UOE, maintaining an unbeaten run throughout the three-day championship. The two sides had earlier faced each other in the tough Pool A matches.
KU head coach Joseph Ndung’u praised his players for their determination and resilience throughout the tournament.
“The journey has been very good because we were well prepared before coming for the championships. The players have shown character and resilience since we arrived. We thank God for the victory because it has been a difficult journey after losing last year’s title, and now we are champions. Since the tournament started, we have not lost any match. I thank my players, the management for the support, the hosts for their hospitality and KUSF for showing the way for the girls that they can do it,” said Ndung’u.
UOE head coach Josphat Pilishi said reaching the final was a milestone for the team since he took over in 2019.
“For the first time reaching the national finals, I am glad. The players gave it their all and it is a great opportunity for me as a coach. UOE was in a tough pool but we managed to qualify and reach the semifinals. In the final, fatigue played a role after a tough semifinal against Chuka University where we came from 1–0 down to win 2–1. By the time we reached the final, the team was too tired,” said Pilishi.
In the Thika Road derby, JKUAT edged out neighbours KU 2–1 to win the hockey title. Despite KU being last year’s finalists and favourites to win, JKUAT’s Tabbie Njeri scored a brace to secure the title, while Ivy Mung’ole scored the consolation goal for KU.
JKUAT captain Hera Joy described the victory as the result of hard work from the group stage to the finals.
“It has been an incredible journey after a good fight to become champions. We thank our school for supporting the trip and providing the necessary equipment. The biggest challenge was the hot sun and the unfriendly pitch where the ball bounced a lot, causing injuries to players. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we dedicate this victory to all women. It is a great initiative by KUSF in growing talent and we are improving each time,” said Joy.
Zetech University successfully defended their basketball title after edging out Kisii University 38–34 in a closely contested final.
KU also claimed the handball title after defeating Embu University 19–08, and went on to secure the netball crown with a commanding 51–30 victory over Kisii University.
