USIU win as Zuku confirms university league deal

By Ernest Ndunda

Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) basketball league ended in style with United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) winning both men and women’s titles.

USIU battled UON in both men and women. In the men’s final USIU netted 60 baskets against UON 48.

Victor Bosire top scored for USIU with 20 points while Kevin Kigotho contributed 14 for the winners.

On the side of UON Frank Manyala had 10 points and Geofrey Otieno managed eight points.

In women’s deciding match USIU beat UON 64-22 to ensure all champions’ trophies are under the safety of the Thika Super Highway based campus.

Burundian ace Cynthia Irakunda was the top scorer for USIU with 17 points while Hilda Indasi added 17 during the final.

Ndika Okatch scored 10 points while Charity Wanjohi contributed six for UoN women’s side.

The matches attracted eight teams across the country and were held at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa over Easter holiday.

The finals held on Sunday marked the end of 2012/13 league that began in September last year. The league runs for six months.

The climax of the show came with Pay-TV provider Zuku East Africa announcing Sh50million sponsorship for next season. The next season will be known as Zuku University Basketball League (ZUBL) and will commence in May 2013.

While unveiling the sponsorship, Zuku’s CEO, Richard Bell said: “We love the passion, energy and style that surrounds basketball in Kenya. We are especially pleased to be putting our weight behind basketball at university level. We see dedication from KUSA and massive untapped potential.”

Zuku’s investment has multiple components, aimed both at elevating the University League and raising its profile. It will help develop coaches, referees and other officials and provide a dedicated website and regular television coverage. Zuku will get broadcast and naming rights of the league.

“In the first year we will broadcast selected games,” Bell revealed.