Kenyatta University, Mathare Lift Argentina’s Cestoball Cup
NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyatta University and Mathare Ladies are the men and women’s champions of the Argentina’s Cestoball Cup held at the University of Nairobi at the weekend.
Kenyatta University thrashed Nyeri Stars 42-16, Nairobi 30-14 and Mathare 16-14 to carry the day in the men’s round-robin encounter.
On the other hand, Mathare Ladies walloped Yaya Mwema 34-4 and Nairobi Stars 48-22 to lift the women’s cup.
“Our level of fitness gave us the glory, our shooters were also very accurate on the goal,” Kenyatta University captain Hezron Mbaabu told Standard Sports.
Nyeri Stars captain, John Maina blamed pressure and streaks of injuries for their losses.
“We could not play well after our opening game against Nairobi Greens, one of our defenders and a striker got injured in the match and this affected the rest of our fixtures,” Maina said.
Nairobi Stars were the only side that managed to go past a century score after whitewashing Yaya Mwema 102-32 in a one sided women’s duel.
Damary Namayi was outstanding in the game as she led Nairobi Stars to win the periods 44-10 and 58-22.
Nairobi Stars skipper Elizabeth Kanyanya attributed their century run to good preparations they had in the course of the week at their Kibera DC Grounds.
“We are not only passionate about the sport but we are also very familiar with the rules of the game,” Kanyanya stated.
Argentina Ambassador to Kenya, Gabriela Martinic presents a ball donated by the Cestoball Confederation of Argentina to Cestoball Kenya Federation President Lawrence Adera during the Argetina’s Cestoball Cup at the University of Nairobi on November 5, 2022. PHOTO/ NATALIA LORENA.
Argentina Ambassador to Kenya, Gabriela Martinic, who graced the tournament said they are happy to have linked Cestoball Kenya Federation (CKF) to the Cestoball Confederation of Argentina and that the Nairobi University tournament is part of the good tidings expected from the newly forged relationship.
“We are hopeful that this sport which was started in Argentina in 1897 will grow and expand in Kenya.
“Our Embassy will keep on tracking its development here, we will also offer the needed support for the growth of the game in Kenya,” Martinic underlined.
The Ambassador also believes Kenya has great potential to lift the Cestoball World Cup slated for India in February where Africa will be represented by Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Martinic said plans are underway for an exchange program between Kenya and Argentina that will feature several fixtures pitting the two nations.
“We look forward to hosting the Kenya national team in Argentina soon and the Argentina national team coming to play Kenya in Nairobi,” she stated.
Cestoball, a game that combines both netball and handball tactics, was brought to Kenya in 2019 but was made official last year.
Argentina Ambassador to Kenya, Gabriela Martinic greets junior players before the start of the Argetina’s Cestoball Cup at the University of Nairobi on November 5, 2022. PHOTO/ NATALIA LORENA
The Embassy of Argentina has been supporting the CKF with the training of coaches, players and donations of kits from the Cestoball Confederation of Argentina.
The CKF Chairman Lawrence Adera, said the weekend tournament was part of Kenya’s preparations for the Cestoball World Cup in India.
“We are glad with the turnout, we are also happy with the progress and development of this new sport across the country,” Adera underlined.
The Argentina’s Cestoball Cup overall results
U-12 Boys
Winners: Utawala Stars
Runners Up: Utawala boys
U-14 Girls
Winners: Nairobi Girls
Runners Up: Utawala Starlets
Senior Women
Winners: Mathare Ladies
Runners Up: Nairobi Stars
Third Place: Yaya Mwema
Senior Men
Winners: Kenyatta University
Runners Up: Mathare
Third Place: Nairobi Eagles
Fourth Place: Nyeri Stars
