Nzoia soar as National Primary Schools Ball Games and Gymnastics end in Machakos

PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Action between Lake Region and Nzoia during MILO National Primary Schools ball games in Machakos, yesterday. [PHOTO: MULWA/STANDARD]

Nzoia Region emerged the overall champions as the 2015 MILO Kenya Primary Ball Games and Gymnastics folded its curtains at the Machakos Teachers Training College grounds, yesterday.

The region, whose team comprises players from primary schools in Western Kenya, beat last year's overall title holder Lake Region to take home the coveted title.

Nzoia beat Coastal Region 5-4 on post-match penalties to clinch the boys' football title after a barren draw in regulation time.

Dan Kibe, Dancan Moshon, Daniel Chepkwony, Godwin Kemboi and Sitchi Hendricco netted their penalties to give Nzoia their first national football crown since 2011.

In girls' football , Nzoia edged defending champions Lake Region 1-0 to lift the trophy.

Gentrix Shikangwa of Shipalo Primary School in Kakamega County netted the lone goal in the 86th minute.

Shikangwa was also named the top scorer after finding the back of the net five times while Martha Karani from Nzoia Region came in second on four goals during the three-day tournament.

Nzoia Region also retained the girls and boys' handball title after they defeated Coast Region and Mau Regions 13-11 and 19-18 respectively.

In netball girls, Lake Region beat Nzoia 19-6 to reclaim the title.
Six-time girls volleyball champions Mau Region beat Nzoia in straight sets to retain the title.

Mau Region also beat defending champions in boys' netball Lake Region to win the title.

Mau Region retained the boys' volleyball title after knocking out Nzoia three straight sets to retain the title.

In gymnastics, Highlands Region retained both the boys and girls' the title after recording total of 87 and 84 points respectively. Nzoia came in second in both boys and girls gymnastics.

"There has been a great show of talent across the disciplines. We are optimistic the talents will be tapped and be of great value to the country in future. MILO will continue with its partnership with the ministry in building these co-curricular skills," said Head of Nestlé East Africa Ciru Miring'u.

Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association chairman Joseph Kuteli said the Ministry of Education Science and Technology should facilitate the primary schools to compete under the East African Primary Schools Sports Federation.

This year's ball games have been sponsored by Nestle Kenya through its MILO brand to the tune of Sh5 million.