KICOSCA: 47 counties battle it out in sports and cultural events in week-long festival

KICOSCA GAMES Kisii County players celebrate scoring a goal against Embu County at the Gusii Stadium on Tuesday August 14, 2018. [Courtesy, Kisii County]

Games fever grips Kisii: Machakos out to defend football title in KICOSCA

Machakos out to defend football title as Inter-County games and cultural events enter third day.

It is only day three of the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association games and comepting teams have not disappointed.

Yesterday, Bungoma women volleyball team won 3-0 against Vihiga (24-7, 24-13, 24-5) with Kitui also winning over Trans Nzoia 3-0.

Netball champions Nairobi beat Uasin Gishu 37-28 while Narok lost 19-32 to Kiambu.

Nairobi County netball coach Fatuma Mahmoud said they are prepared to retain their title. “We have been placed in a tough pool, but we promise to get the best results,” she said.

Busia won 35 -12 against Vihiga and Siaya 30-13 Kisii.

In the second day of football matches, Trans Nzoia County beat Senate 4-1, Kisii proceeded to the last 16 in their title hunt with a 5-0 defeat of Kajiado County while Bungoma crushed Nyamira 4-0.

Kisii captain Ogechi Ratemo opened the scoring in the first half before Albert Likavo added another 20 minutes later.

Steve Ogeto and Absolomon Ratemo scored one each before the break while Georgy Omare scored the fifth goal in the 61st minute to complete the rout of Kajiado County.

Kiranyaga beat Kitui 2-1 while Uasin Gishu settled for a barren draw with Siaya and last year’s finalists Nairobi also settled for 0-0 draw with Busia. Nandi won 5-2 against Embu.

Kisii football men’s coach Ratemo said his side is determined to win the title they last won two years ago. “Some of our senior players are injured, but we hope they will recover in time for subsequent matches,” Ratemo said.

Without hitches

Defending champions Machakos whitewashed Vihiga 3-0 with Kilifi defeating Bomet 2-1. Mombasa drew 0-0 against Narok in the match played at Kisii High School.

KICOSCA secretary general Muraya Kabiri said the games have gone on well saying the competition has been tough this year.

“We are happy with the organisation. The fields are perfect and everything has gone on well without a hitch. We expect to start well in the track events beginning today,” he said.

Today morning track events begin with 10,000m women and men walk at Gusii stadium.