Newcomers Koitalel Samoe University College endured a difficult start at the 10th edition of the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) Games, which got underway on Tuesday at the University of Eldoret (UoE) grounds.
It was a baptism of fire for the Nandi-based institution after losing all their Rugby Sevens matches in the five-team round-robin competition.
In their opening match, hosts University of Eldoret trounced Koitalel Samoe 19–5 before the newcomers suffered a heavy 31–0 defeat to Moi University Arsonists. In other Rugby Sevens encounters, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad edged UoE 14–5.
A total of 20 universities are competing in the multi-discipline championships featuring football, athletics, Rugby Sevens, volleyball, basketball, handball, hockey, karate, chess, swimming, table tennis, tennis and netball, among others.
Four-time champions Kenyatta University (KU) football side, Hard Nuts, were held to a barren draw by hosts UoE in their opening Group A match.
KU captain Austin Tandasi admitted missed chances cost his side but remained confident ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
“We had three scoring chances but failed to convert, and that was our biggest challenge. The draw has triggered pressure, but we are preparing well for the next matches,” said Tandasi.
Focused on defending their title, Tandasi regretted the missed opportunities but promised a return to winning ways.
UoE captain Jeff Oluoch termed the draw against the defending champions a positive result.
“We knew KU are the defending champions and their game is top notch. Playing them at home was tough. We drew, but for us it felt like a win,” said Oluoch.
KUSF President Kibet Rono said universities had overcome financial challenges to successfully stage the championships.
“We have just returned from the World University Games in Germany where the team won five medals. We are now hoping for even better performances in upcoming events,” Rono said.
He added that the UoE venue continues to serve as a vital training ground for hundreds of athletes from the North Rift region.
“We are working closely with sports federations as we improve our global rankings,” he noted.
University of Eldoret Vice Chancellor Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot and his Meru University counterpart Prof. Romanus Odhiambo said university games remain an integral part of academic life and a celebration of diversity.
“Supporting sports is not optional. While universities continue to fund sports, there is a need to establish partnerships with government, corporate organisations and alumni,” Prof. Odhiambo said.
Track and field events will begin on Wednesday, December 17, at the historic Eldoret track that has produced many elite athletes.
The men’s 10,000m race will open the athletics programme at 8:30am, followed by triple jump (men), 100m (women), shot put (women), 400m (men), long jump (women), 4x100m mixed relay, 5,000m (women), discus (men), 200m (men), triple jump (women), 400m (women), 800m (men), javelin (women), race walk (women), 100m (men), high jump (women), 1,500m (women), hammer throw (men), 200m (women), 4x400m (men) and 4x100m heats for both men and women.