Kenya Prisons win East Africa netball crown

By Rebecca Gichana

Kenya Prisons netball have now set their eyes on the Africa Challenge Cup that will hosted in Kenya later this year after successfully defending this year’s East and Central Club Championship for the third consecutive year.

Prisons finished the championship with unbeaten record managing eight points. Uganda Christian Union (UCU) was second with six points while Uganda Prisons was third with four points in the championships that were staged in Uganda.

"The team played well in winning all our games in the championship. I give credit to the players since they fought tooth and nail in bringing glory to the country. I am happy with the results and hope to perform even better in other tournaments," said Evelyn Cherono, the Prisons head coach.

National Insurance Corporation from Uganda won the women title after amassing a total of 12 points.

Their counterparts Uganda Prisons finished second with 10 points, while the new entrants in the championship, Ministry of Information and Communication (MIOC), Kenya settled for third place with eight points.

Apart from winning the top prize Kenya Prisons also had Desmond Awili named the best attacker of the tournament while his teammate Edwin Ptalla was voted the best middle fielder.

In the women awards MOIC dominated after Pauline Nasambu was voted the best defender, Brigit Nanzala, the best shooter while Rebecca Sarange was named the best middle fielder.

Christine Nangila was voted the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Kenya Netball Federation secretary general, Lillian Anupi said there was improvement from the women teams that represented Kenya at the championship.

"Kenyan women have never performed like this before. With much training and determination they will win even more games," Anupi said.

Anupi also encouraged those who did not get time for the netball revision course that was conducted last month to turn up for the same on April 16-22 at the Nyayo National Stadium.