MTA FC edged Milimani United 5-4 on penalties after a pulsating 1-1 draw in regulation time to lift the men’s football title.
The champions drew first blood in the seventh minute through Morrison Mutiso, but Milimani’s Ryan Ochieng levelled matters 20 minutes later to force the shootout. From the spot, MTA held their nerve, converting all their kicks, while Ochieng turned from hero to villain after his effort rattled the crossbar.
In the women’s football final, MAS Queens were in ruthless form as they brushed aside Kibauni Queens 3-1. Diana Namiti fired a brace, while Wilkister Shimwati added the third to seal the win. Tracy Adata netted the consolation for Kibauni.
The two champions each pocketed Sh1 million, with Milimani United and Kibauni Queens walking away with Sh500,000 apiece. Third-placed MAS FC and Athi River Queens settled for Sh250,000.
In rugby, Daystar Falcons soared to another national finals berth after thrashing Makueni Rugby 43-0 in the men’s final. The women’s rugby showdown turned into an Embu affair, with Kithimu Community crushing Njukiri Community 45-5 to claim the title.
Both Falcons and Kithimu Community took home Sh1 million each, while Makueni Rugby and Njukiri Community received Sh500,000. Katine Community and Northern Suburbs earned Sh250,000 for finishing third.
In basketball, BCG once again proved their dominance, retaining the men’s regional crown in style after dismantling Pirates 21-8, a repeat of last year’s final at the same venue. Apex ruled the women’s court after outclassing Valkyries 14-10 to not only pocket Sh500,000 but also clinch Eastern Region bragging rights.
Pirates and Valkyries each took home Sh250,000, while Makueni UB and Sparta settled for Sh100,000 apiece as second runners-up.
On the track, Glorious Chepkurui and Francis Langat delivered outstanding double victories, sweeping both the 5,000m and 10,000m titles.Chepkurui clocked 16:40.8 and 34:37.4 in the two events, respectively, while Langat posted 14:16.3 and 29:13.6 to secure the men’s crowns.
Both distance stars walked away with Sh550,000 each (Sh300,000 for the 10,000m and Sh250,000 for the 5,000m victory).
Betika Head of Brand, Eric Mwiti, lauded the athletes and teams for their spirited performances. “Congratulations to all the winners at Machakos this past weekend. We look forward to seeing you at the national finals next year,” Mwiti said.
He further emphasised Betika’s commitment to uplifting local communities through sports. “We remain cognizant of the impact we have on host communities. BingwaFest goes beyond the games; it transforms lives. We handed over the 10th basketball court, built from scratch, to the people of Machakos, and we hope it will be of great benefit to the community,” he added.
Next up on the BingwaFest calendar are the highly anticipated Nairobi Region Finals, set for next month.
