Chepchumba, Sadera Shine at KUSF Women Championships in Taita
By Kass Digital – Nairobi, Kenya
Magdalene Chepchumba and Leah Sadera were the standout performers in athletics at the ongoing Kenya Universities Sports Federation Women Championships at Taita Taveta University grounds in Voi, Taita Taveta County, despite rain disrupting several events.
Representing Kibabii University, Chepchumba won the 1,500m race after clocking 4:31.1 ahead of Kisii University’s Ruth Manyasi and Leah Sadera, who finished second and third in 4:31.7 and 4:35.2 respectively.
Chepchumba said the race was challenging due to strong competition.
“I thank God for the victory after a long time of training. We are now aiming for the national championships at Kenyatta University,” she said.
The third year student added that she hopes to emulate triple Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon.
“I expect to win the national title and follow in the footsteps of Faith Kipyegon who has been an inspiration to many of us,” she added.
After finishing third in the 1,500m, Sadera bounced back to claim the 3,000m title. The Kisii University athlete clocked 11:34.1 to beat Kaimosi’s Daisy Cherono, who finished second in 11:52.2, and Daisy Cheptoo, who placed third in 12:02.2.
Sadera said the victory was a redemption after missing out on gold earlier.
“We came as a team to compete and winning means a lot to me. I have always wanted to represent my school and win. The competition was strong and I now look forward to the national championships,” said the first year Bachelor of Agricultural Education and Extension student.
In netball, defending champions Kenyatta University will face Kisii University in the final after impressive semifinal victories. Kenyatta University defeated Embu University 60-19 while Kisii University beat Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 32-20. The final was rescheduled to the evening due to afternoon rains.
Kisii assistant coach Ibrahim Oloo said the team is confident of winning the title.
“The players believed in the patterns movement and skills they were taught which helped them outsmart the opponents. We hope to maintain this performance,” he said.
In hockey, Kenyatta University played to three draws against Kisii University Tharaka University and JKUAT. Elsewhere Maseno University defeated University of Eldoret 3-1 while Eldoret edged University of Nairobi 1-0 and JKUAT beat Kisii University 1-0.
Meanwhile Kaimosi Friends University emerged champions in the Ultimate Frisbee event after winning all their matches in a round robin format. They defeated Kenyatta University 12-2 Maseno University 13-0 and University of Eldoret 13-4 to secure the title. University of Eldoret finished second while Kenyatta University placed third.
