Boniface Kilonzo of Mt. Kenya University bagged a gold medal in the javelin in the ongoing 10th All Africa University Games at Kenyatta University Thursday.
The reigning regional champion threw 62.99m and was closely followed by Justus Kipkenda of Kisii University who covered 52.36m to clinch silver. John Eigege of Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe posted 51.36m to settle for the bronze medal.
“It was an easy win for me. I didn’t feel any pressure in the contest,” said the 24-year-old Kilonzo, who trained at Moi Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi ahead of the games.
The new African Varsity Games javelin champion said: “It shows that the future is very bright for me. I feel I have amazing energy and I am keen to emulate former world champion Julius Yego.”
Kilonzo said he is happy to have won gold in Javelin after winning bronze in the discus. “I will be looking forward to participating in the national trials where I would like to join the Commonwealth Games team,” said Kilonzo.
Diana Wanza of Kenyatta University added another title to the 5,000m title she won on Wednesday after she clocked 35:15.21 to win gold in the women’s 10000m.
Sarah Koomsen of Ghana University of Education Winneba was second in 38:47.70 while Tsholofelo Zwane of Tshwane University of Technology (South Africa) came third in 39.01.93.
“I decided to lead from gun to tape to ward off any strong opposition in the race,” she said.
“Currently, my form is amazing. I feel I can even do better if I get the chance to represent Kenya internationally.”
Charles Baah from the University of Education Winneba clinched gold in the men’s 1,500m in a 4:01.60. Dedan Kimathi University’s Lemerian Gideon bagged silver in 4:01.87 While Aziz Mohammed from the University of Ghana took bronze in 4:02.44.
Teneneb Nega from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia claimed gold in the women’s 1,500m after posting 4:27.94. She beat Tshwane University of Technology’s Siminay Weitsz (4:27.94) and Welm Nkuna from the University of Johannesburg (4:32.35) to second and third places respectively.
In men’s football, Makerere University of Business Studies (MUBS) thrashed the University of Development of Ghana 3-0 to romp into the finals. MUBS will contest for gold against the winner of the match pitting Kenyatta University and Makerere University.
In men’s basketball, the University of Johannesburg thumped American University Cairo 68-44 to make it to the final. Frida Yagomba poured in 24 points as USIU Flames torched Makerere University of Uganda 52-38. Thelma Toskin hit the losers 15.
Another women’s match saw Misr University of Egypt pip compatriots American University, Cairo 64-62 in a closely fought encounter.
Kenyatta University Pirates reached the men's basketball finals after beating United States International University (USIU)Tigers 69-55. They will battle the University of Johannesburg for the gold medal game on Friday.
