Action between Kisii University Raptors (in yellow) and Congo Nets at Kisii University/FILEMasinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) are ready to make a statement as hosts of the Federation of East African University Sports Championships, which kick off today and run through Sunday.
More than 20 universities from across East Africa are expected to participate in the second edition of the regional event, which features both football and basketball competitions for men and women.
The inaugural edition was hosted by Makerere University in Uganda last year.
MMUST’s assistant games tutor, Shisoka Akaka, said preparations are complete and all venues are ready for action.
“The facilities are in perfect condition and ready to host the teams,” said Akaka.
The matches will take place across four venues: MMUST grounds, Bukhungu Stadium, Police Canteen, and Kakamega Approved School.
Akaka said MMUST is well-prepared and confident of mounting a strong challenge for the men’s and women’s football titles.
“We want to wrestle the football titles from Makerere. We don’t want to underrate any team, but we are prepared to claim the two titles,” he said. “We shall also compete for the basketball titles. Being hosts gives us an added advantage.”
He, however, acknowledged the challenge posed by defending champions Makerere University and Kenyatta University, whom he described as formidable opponents in football.
In basketball, Uganda Christian University (UCU) and United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) are the defending men’s and women’s champions, respectively. However, UCU will not defend their title this year.
Kisii University games tutor David Obungu also expressed confidence in his football squad.
“In basketball, we are targeting to reach the semi-finals. However, our football team will challenge for the trophy,” said Obungu.
In the men’s basketball competition, MMUST has been drawn into a tough Pool A, which includes USIU-Africa, Mount Kenya University and Kisii University.
Pool B features Kaimosi Friends University, Daystar University, Technical University of Mombasa and Machakos University.
Pool C brings together Rongo University, Kenyatta University, Kenya Methodist University and St Paul’s University.
In the women’s basketball competition, defending champions USIU-Africa headline Pool A, alongside Kisii University, Machakos University and Technical University of Mombasa.
Pool B includes MMUST, Kenyatta University, Rongo University, and Kaimosi Friends University.
The women’s football title will be contested in a round-robin format.
