Tononoka returns to the national scene as Coast Games wrap up

Tononoka Secondary School from Mombasa made a return to the National ball games after defeating Tana River's Hola Boys 3-0 to clinch the Coast Region title.

During the three-day games staged in Kwale County, Tononoka had beaten the same opponents 2-0 in the group stage before confirming their dominance with three second-half goals in the final at Kwale Stadium.

Head coach Juma Kalato, who captained the team when Tononoka last qualified for the nationals, said the players had shown their determination from the sub-county games and had achieved their target.

"They know the history of Tononoka, and that is why they had to work extra hard to win the title," said Kalato.

In the girls' category, Kwale's Kaya Tiwi thrashed Mombasa's Kajembe Girls 5-1 at the same stadium to book a place at the national championships.

Elsewhere, in the boys' volleyball competition, Mombasa's Moi Forces recovered from a group-stage defeat to beat Kilifi's Jaribuni 3-1 in the final played at Kwale Girls Grounds.

In the girls' final, Mwanambeyu avenged last year's defeat by beating Moi Forces 3-0 to earn the right to represent the Coast Region at the nationals.

"From last year, we added new recruits and rectified a few shortcomings to secure a convincing win against Moi Forces," said the Mwanambeyu coach.

Kwale High School successfully defended their Rugby Sevens title by whitewashing Tononoka 24-0 in the final.

"They were good opponents, but our experience gave us the advantage and helped us secure a comfortable victory against Tononoka," noted Kwale coach Kevin Amiani.

In the girls' category, Moi Forces were crowned champions after defeating Kilifi's Paul Harris 14-0.

Kaya Tiwi also won the 3x3 basketball titles in both the girls' and boys' categories, defeating St. John's 11-5 and Shimo la Tewa 19-10, respectively, at Kwale Stadium.

Meanwhile, Mwanambeyu Girls emerged victorious in beach volleyball at Congo Beach, while Kwale High won the boys' title.

The winners will represent the Coast Region at the National Ball Games, which are scheduled to be held at Mpesa Academy in Thika, Kiambu County, from July 28 to August 1, 2026.