Kisii, Kisumu Polytechnics lift Lake Region KATTISO basketball titles

Kisii and Kisumu National polytechnics were on Sunday crowned Kenya Technical Training Institutes Sports Organisation (Kattiso) Lake Region women’s and men’s basketball title.

Kisii, captained by Benerdate Onsongo, outclassed hosts Siaya Technical Institute 51-25.

Speaking after the win, Onsongo said: “It was a good final for us. They beat us in the opening game but we did not lose hope. After the arrival of our coach, we decided to refocus and work hard. That’s how we won this tournament. We will now train for the nationals.”

In the semis, Kisii overcame Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) 47-13 while Siaya saw off Mawego 23-15 in the other semi-final.

In the third place play-off, Mawego beat Ramogi 35-11.

In the men’s category, Kisumu survived a late fightback to beat Siala Technical Training Institute 44-41 in a scintillating final.

Kisumu raced to a 15-8 lead in the first quarter, won the second 10-9 and had 21-11 in the third. Siala fought back 13-7 in the last but it was too late.

“It was a tough final but I am happy we won. My players relaxed in the second half which put us under a lot pressure,” said Kisumu coach Wesley Kirwa.

“I will address the weaknesses I identified in this tournament before the nationals where we target the title.”

Siala’s Fidel Kings said: “My boys tensed at the start since this is the first time they are playing in the finals. We staged a comeback but it was too late. I’m proud of the boys.”

Mawego outclassed Bondo 55-14 to retain the netball title. Hosts Siaya settled for third place after a 32-26 win over Omuga. In the semi-finals, Mawego beat Siaya 39-26 while Bondo defeated Omuga 32-26.

Football champions Omuga were bundled out after a 2-0 loss to hosts Siaya in the quarterfinals. Minnows Riragia beat Sikri 2-0 while Kisii edged Kisumu 6-5 on post-match penalties. The teams drew 1-1 at full time.

Seme beat Riatirimba 2-0 in the other last eight match. Siaya face Riragia in the semis while Kisii will battle Seme.

In the women’s category, Ugenya sailed to the finals after a hard-fought 3-2 penalty shoot-out win over Uriri. The teams were deadlocked at 0-0 at full-time. Ugenya will play the winner between Kitutu Masaba and Mawego on Monday.