KUSF Games: Peerless Kabarak University storm nationals after dominant display

Kabarak University sports teams were at their pulling strings best over the weekend in the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) Rift Valley region championships held at Laikipia University, earning slots in the upcoming national championships despite an abrupt end to the tournament due to safety concerns.

In the women’s basketball category, Kabarak University’s team secured a commanding 50-23 victory over Maasai Mara University in the semifinals, booking a slot at the national championships after a three-year hiatus.

The win came after a series of strong performances, including a 31-4 blowout triumph over host Laikipia University and another 35-23 win against bitter rivals Egerton University in the pool games.

Mercy Wanjiku led the charge with an impressive 28 points, while teammates Trazzy Amolo and Beryl Oyoo dropped 5 points each. For Maasai Mara, Rebecca Basele was the standout performer with 9 points apiece.

Kabarak Basketball Ladies Captain Mercy Wanjiku commended the team for their good performance.

“We have been training hard for this win. I'm so proud of this team; we gave it our all, and finally, we have qualified for nationals.”

Defending champions Kabarak men’s basketball team also clinched a nationals slot for the third consecutive time by overpowering Maasai Mara 49-19 in the semifinals.

They will face Laikipia University in the final match, now scheduled for next year.

In football, Kabarak University’s men’s team demonstrated their championship form, going unbeaten throughout the tournament.

They started strong on the first day with dominant wins, defeating Koitalel University 4-0, Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) 4-0, and Egerton University.

In the semifinals on day two, they secured a 1-0 win over Laikipia University, cementing their place at nationals and defending their title for the third consecutive year.

However, the finals across both the men’s and women’s categories had to be postponed due to a stampede caused by fans following Laikipia University’s semifinal loss.

For safety reasons, KUSF officials postponed the finals to next year.

The Kabarak University ladies’ football team, making their debut in the KUSF games, reached the semifinals, which were also postponed due to security concerns.

Head coach Dr. Justine Oguta attributed their dominant display to their good preparations before the tournament.

“The boys worked incredibly hard for this win, and our preparation has been exceptional.

“Starting with the KEKOSO games, where we finished third overall, we built momentum through friendly matches with strong premier league teams.

“I want to congratulate my players for their determination, going unbeaten and maintaining their winning streak from day one to day two.” 

David Lang’at, the KUSF Treasurer and Kabarak University Sports Officer commended the university’s teams for their impressive performance.

“The teams have delivered exemplary results. They were very determined throughout the matches, and we are pleased to have qualified for nationals despite the small commotion that disrupted the final matches.”

Kabarak University’s basketball men’s team is set to face Laikipia University, while the ladies’ basketball team will take on the University of Eldoret in the finals, both scheduled for January.