By KPC Sports Corrresponent
Defending champions Bandari Youth reaffirmed their dominance at the Betika BingwaFest Coast edition after a 3–0 victory over SS Assad in the men’s football final played at Kwale Stadium.
After a balanced opening spell, Bandari Youth broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Don Otieno calmly converted from the penalty spot.
They tightened their grip on the contest after the break, with Steve Giragwa doubling the lead in the 58th minute before Mohamed Chaka sealed the emphatic win with a late strike in the 85th minute to retain the Coast crown in style.
In the women’s football final, Ukunda Vision Starlets were crowned champions following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Kayatiwi Girls.
Patience Kasichana’s first-half strike proved decisive as Ukunda Vision Starlets held firm defensively to clinch the regional title.
Bandari Youth and Ukunda Vision Starlets each pocketed KES 1 million in prize money, while runners-up SS Assad and Kayatiwi Girls received Ksh 500,000 apiece. Third-placed Kombani Youth FC and Ocean D Ladies earned Ksh 250,000 each.
On the basketball court, Free Nation successfully defended their men’s 3×3 title after edging Elites 21–16 in a high-intensity final.
In the women’s category, Board Protector claimed the title with a composed 20–12 win over Wolverines.
The third-place playoffs saw Bags edge Reign 15–13 in the women’s contest, while Akatsuki dominated Mtu Nne Bora 22–11 to finish second runners-up in the men’s division.
Free Nation and Board Protector took home Ksh 500,000 each, while Elites and Wolverines earned Ksh 250,000. Bags and Akatsuki received Ksh 100,000 each.
Rugby sevens belonged entirely to Jackals, who completed a clean sweep by winning both the men’s and women’s titles. The Jackals women edged Shanzu Queens 5–3 in a tightly contested final, while the men’s side overpowered Mombasa Sports Club Rugby 26–14.
In the women’s third-place playoff, Migodi Leigh secured second runners-up after a narrow 3–0 victory over TUM Marines Women, while Behta Rugby dominated TUM Marines Men 26–0 to clinch third place in the men’s competition.
Jackals Men and Jackals Women were each awarded KES 1 million, with Mombasa Sports Club Rugby and Shanzu Queens receiving KES 500,000. Migodi Leigh and Behta Rugby took home KES 250,000 after finishing third.
Speaking at Kwale Stadium, Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti praised the tournament’s impact. “We are incredibly proud of how impactful the second season of BingwaFest has been. We have seen stronger competition and wider community engagement,” he said.
Mwiti added that the upcoming national finals will be hosted through a transparent draw. “As we now look ahead to the national finals, the host venue will be determined through a draw to ensure fairness and transparency. Kisumu, having successfully hosted the inaugural finals, will not be eligible this time round, as we aim to allow another region to benefit from the event’s national spotlight,” he said.
Attention now shifts to the national finals, where champions from the various regions will face off for overall BingwaFest supremacy.