By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Defending champions Bandari Youth reaffirmed their supremacy at the Betika BingwaFest Coast edition, cruising to a convincing 3–0 win over SS Assad in the men’s football final at Kwale Stadium to retain their crown in style.
After a balanced opening phase, Bandari Youth broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Don Otieno calmly converted from the penalty spot. They tightened their grip on the contest in the second half, with Steve Giragwa doubling the lead in the 58th minute before Mohamed Chaka sealed the emphatic win with a late strike in the 85th minute.
In the women’s final, Ukunda Vision Starlets were crowned champions following a hard-fought 1–0 win over Kayatiwi Girls. Patience Kasichana’s lone goal in the first half proved decisive, with Ukunda holding firm defensively to secure the Coast title.
Bandari Youth and Ukunda Vision Starlets pocketed KES 1 million each, while SS Assad and Kayatiwi Girls were awarded KES 500,000 each. Third-placed Kombani Youth FC and Ocean D Ladies settled for KES 250,000 each.
On the basketball court, Free Nation successfully retained their men’s 3×3 title, defeating Elites 21–16 in a high-intensity final. Board Protector claimed the women’s title after overcoming Wolverines 20–12 in a composed display.
The third-place playoffs saw Bags edge Reign 15–13 in the ladies’ category, while Akatsuki were the second runners-up in the men’s division with a dominant 22–11 victory over Mtu Nne Bora.
Both Free Nation and Board Protector took home KES 500,000 each, while Elites and Wolverines received KES 250,000 each. Bags and Akatsuki got KES 100,000 each.
It was a Jackals affair in rugby as the outfits won both the men’s and women’s titles. The women’s team narrowly edged out Shanzu Queens 5-3 as their men’s counterparts overpowered Mombasa Sports Club Rugby 26–14.
In the third-place playoffs, Migodi Leigh claimed second runner-up in the women’s category with a narrow 3–0 victory over TUM Marines Women, while Behta Rugby beat TUM Marines Men 26–0 to secure third place in the men’s competition.
Jackals Men and Jackals Women were also awarded KES 1 million each, with Mombasa Sports Club Rugby and Shanzu Queens receiving KES 500,000 each. Migodi Leigh and Behta Rugby took home KES 250,000 after finishing third.
Speaking at Kwale Stadium, Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti said: “We are incredibly proud of how impactful the second season of BingwaFest has been. We have seen stronger competition and wider community engagement. As we now look ahead to the national finals, the host venue will be determined through a draw to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process. Kisumu, having successfully hosted the inaugural finals, will not be eligible this time round, as we aim to allow another region to experience and benefit from the event’s national spotlight.”
Focus now shifts to the national finals, where the winners from respective regions will face off with each other.
