By KPC Sports Correspondent
APS Seal Kakamega and Iron Ladies Academy emerged as the Western Region football champions after thrilling victories at the BingwaFest regional finals held on Sunday at the Mumias Sports Complex.
APS Seal Kakamega clinched the men’s title with a 2–0 win over PEFA FC, while Iron Ladies Academy edged Lwanda Ladies 2–1 in the women’s final, with both sides converting a penalty in the closely contested encounter.
Each champion walked away with Ksh 1 million in prize money, as runners-up PEFA FC and Lwanda Ladies received Ksh 500,000 each.
Third-placed Nyota FC and Chakol Queens earned KES 250,000 apiece.
In rugby, Mwira Rugby capped a dominant tournament with a flawless performance, defeating Shieywe Rugby 34–0 in the final to finish the competition without conceding a single try.
Masinde Muliro University claimed the men’s rugby title after beating Sigalala Polytechnic 19–5.
Mwira and Masinde Muliro University each received Ksh 1 million, while Shieywe and Sigalala Polytechnic earned Ksh 500,000.
Webuye Rugby and Shamberere Polytechnic finished third to take home Ksh 250,000 each.
Mwira captain Miriam Akinyi attributed their success to disciplined defending.
“Our plan was not to allow our opponents to make a single try, and that worked throughout the tournament. We are now looking forward to meeting other teams at the national finals,” she said.
Basketball honours went to Breeze, who beat Dynamo 15–10 to claim the women’s title, while ARMND defeated Bantus 22–15 to win the men’s crown.
Breeze and ARMND each received Ksh 500,000, with Dynamo and Bantus taking Ksh 250,000.
Second runners-up Team Mercury and Falcons were awarded Ksh 100,000 each.
Athletics also delivered standout performances, headlined by World Cross Country Championships bronze medallist Daniel Ebenyo, who dominated the men’s 10,000m and 5,000m races.
Ebenyo clocked 28:57.1 to win the 10,000m ahead of Robert Kiprop and Victor Kipruto, before returning to claim the 5,000m title in 13:54.5. His double victory earned him a total of Ksh 550,000.
In the women’s races, Miriam Kibet narrowly edged Caroline Kariba to win the 10,000m in 33:39.2, while Janet Jepkoech enjoyed a golden day, winning both the 1,500m and 5,000m to pocket Ksh 400,000.
Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti hailed the impact of the tournament, saying BingwaFest continues to transform communities and provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent.
The BingwaFest caravan now heads to the final leg of the regional championships as anticipation builds toward the national finals.