Kenyan Schools Excel at FEASSA 2024
The 2024 Federation of East Africa School Sports Associations (FEASSA) in Mbale, Uganda, has once again highlighted the dominance of Kenyan schools in regional sports. Kenyan teams have excelled across various disciplines, particularly in hockey and rugby, where they claimed top honors and demonstrated their athletic prowess. With victories in boys’ and girls’ rugby, as well as hockey, Kenyan schools have solidified their reputation as powerhouses in East African school sports and are now poised to finish the tournament on a high note.
Musingu School’s Historic Win in Boys’ Hockey
Musingu School’s hockey team delivered a standout performance, claiming their first-ever FEASSA title with a 2-0 victory over Uganda’s St. Charles Lwanga in the boys’ final. This triumph was particularly significant for Musingu, as they came close to winning the title last year but were narrowly defeated by Kakungulu Memorial. The team’s victory this year marks a major milestone in their sporting history and highlights the school’s commitment to excellence in field hockey.
The girls’ hockey competition is still underway, with Nyamira Girls and St. Joseph’s Kitale leading the standings. Both teams are level on points, but Nyamira Girls hold a slight advantage due to their superior goal difference. The final round of matches will determine the ultimate winner, with Tigoi Girls also in contention for the title.
Rugby Dominance: Vihiga High School and St. Joseph’s Kitale Shine
In rugby, Kenyan teams continued to dominate, securing victories in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions. Vihiga High School emerged as the champions in the boys’ rugby 7s, delivering a commanding 26-0 win over Bwake in an all-Kenyan final. Vihiga’s victory was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and determination, as they also overcame St. Mary’s Yala 19-5 in the semifinals to reach the final.
St. Joseph’s Kitale added to Kenya’s rugby success by clinching the girls’ rugby 7s title. In a closely contested final, they defeated Kinale with an 8-5 victory, securing their place at the top. The team’s journey to the final included a 17-7 win over Kijjabwemi in the semifinals, showcasing their resilience and competitive edge.
In the boys’ rugby 15s competition, All Saints Embu delivered a stellar performance to secure the title, edging out defending champions St. Mary’s College Kisubi with a 9-3 victory. This hard-fought win underscored Kenya’s dominance in rugby at the FEASSA 2024, with All Saints Embu rising to the occasion and claiming the top spot.
Kenyan Basketball Teams Eye More Titles
Kenyan teams also made their mark in basketball, with strong performances across both the boys’ and girls’ categories. Friends School Kamusinga advanced to the final in the boys’ 3×3 basketball competition after defeating Sawagongo 18-12 in an all-Kenyan semifinal. They will face Uganda’s Seroma in what promises to be a thrilling final.
In the girls’ 3×3 category, Butere emerged victorious in their semifinal match against St. Joseph’s Kitale, winning 18-14 to secure their place in the final. They will go up against Uganda’s St. Noa Girls in the championship game, aiming to bring another title home to Kenya.
In the boys’ basketball 5×5 competition, Laiser Hill demonstrated their prowess by defeating Rwanda’s ITS Gasogi 84-76 in a closely contested semifinal. Their victory earned them a spot in the final, where they will face the host team, Amus College, in a matchup that is expected to draw significant attention.
Kenyan Teams Continue to Impress in Other Disciplines
Beyond hockey, rugby, and basketball, Kenyan schools have also delivered commendable performances in other sports at FEASSA 2024. In football, Butere Girls secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nyakach in the semifinals, advancing to the final and keeping their hopes alive for another title. In contrast, Musingu Boys narrowly lost 0-1 to St. Mary’s Kitende in their football semifinal, ending their run in the competition.
In volleyball, Kwanthanze Girls cruised to a 3-0 win over BCS, while Kesogon Girls also secured a 3-0 victory against St. Elizabeth, positioning both teams as strong contenders for the volleyball title. The boys’ volleyball competition saw Cheptil narrowly lose to Lycee in a five-set thriller, ending their hopes of a title this year.
Kenyan teams also showed promise in handball, with Hospital Hill and Kimilili competing fiercely in the boys’ category. However, both teams faced tough opposition, with Hospital Hill falling 18-26 to Uganda’s Wampewo and Kimilili losing 22-23 in a nail-biting match against Rwanda’s Adegi.
Conclusion: Kenyan Schools Poised for a Strong Finish at FEASSA 2024
As the 2024 FEASSA tournament draws to a close, Kenyan schools are in a strong position to secure even more titles across various sports. With victories in hockey, rugby, and basketball already under their belts, the Kenyan teams have set a high standard of excellence and are poised to finish the competition as the dominant force in East African school sports.
Their achievements at FEASSA 2024 not only highlight the talent and dedication of Kenyan student-athletes but also reinforce the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in regional sports. As the final matches are played, all eyes will be on the Kenyan teams as they aim to add more silverware to their already impressive haul, bringing pride and glory to their schools and the nation as a whole.
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