Allan Oyende anchored Word Warriors, the National Scrabble Kenya team at the concluded East, Central and Southern Africa Scrabble Championships (ECASA) that came to an end today in Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

The victory, Scrabble Kenya President Kipkemoi Limo is optimistic that they will field a formidable team to compete at the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPAC) that will be staged in Ghana come November 12^th to 15^th in Accra, Ghana.

Oyende, who has never won on Kenyan soil since the ECASA championships were launched 21 years ago won 24 out of 27 games to be crowned the overall champion, recording his 4^th win.

He attributed his victory on proper training, both online and taking on Richard Okechi, who gave him good preparations for the event.

“This is the first time I am winning on home soil. I have been shining out there, winning two in Zambia and one in Uganda but this is good to shine at home,” said Oyende.

The Stima Club player added that having local leagues and tournaments were part of his success.  He first won the overall title in 2014 in Zambia, then 2018, still in Zambia and 20222 in Jinja, Uganda.

“I have been playing in many local leagues and tournaments in preparations for this event which has come true. I have also been training alongside Okechi, who gave me a good lead into this,” recalled Oyende.

He led compatriots Michael Gongolo to second and David Kimani coming third for all podium sweep for Kenyans.

Ugandan Lawrence Onyoin was the top player coming in 4^th position as Willy Mwangi, Bernard Koyyoko followed in 5^th and 6^th before Zimbabian Isaac Mwape was 7^th, Martins Mutahi followed in 8^th, Francis Wachira and Patrick Litunya completing top ten positions.

Limo attributed the Kenya’s triumph to the team work that has been exihibited in Kenyan leagues played every month.

“Since I took over the office, we made the decision to polish players which we are now getting good results. At the same time, we have been playing as a unit, team work has played a critical role,” said Limo.

With local leagues and tournaments, he said that each month, all players are involved in the tournaments to sharpen their skills, hence selecting a good team.

“Since we have also complied with Sports Act, we are a fully registered Federation, meaning that we benefit from the government as we prepare to go to Ghana in November and ECASA next year in Zambia,” concluded Limo.

Division A Round 27 Standings