After all was said and done, it seems we will see a repeat of last year’s final come next weekend. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) will go up against the Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP) Rockets.

In their semi-final match against Kabarak, JKUAT managed to earn a hard-fought victory in a game that saw both teams bring their A game.

However, in the fourth quarter, Klinsmann Orina and Awuol Atem proved why they are the defending champions of the Nakuru Universities and Colleges League (Nakuball) by surgically dissecting the defence of the Kabarak team, to win the game 32-27.

Players from JKUAT and RVNP contesting for a jump ball during Nakuball semi-finals on November 30, 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

The Samburu Mambas who had forced a game two with RVNP came into the second leg with hopes of winning and going into their first finals.

The Rockets on the other hand had other ideas, winning the two games that they played at their home court, ensuring they book their place in a second final in a row.

Speaking to Awuol Barack, a JKUAT player, he says as they go into the finals next week, they hope to bring their best foot forward and win the title for the second time.

“As we go into the finals, we know it is going to be a tough match. We do not underestimate our opponent because we are aware of the skills they bring to the table,” he says.

Abednego Ndege of rockets team goes for a lay up during their semi final game against Samburu Mambas on November 30, 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Abednego Ndege of the Rockets team, who was last year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), says that losing the finals last year at their home court was very devastating and that loss motivated them throughout this season to even be the log leaders.

“As we have been playing throughout this season, we have had one goal in mind and that is to become this year’s champions. We learnt from the mistakes we made last year and this time we are bringing in a whole new ball game to ensure we emerge victorious” he says.

In the ladies’ category, last week had already decided the fate of the teams that will be in this year’s final. The RVNP ladies team met the JKUAT ladies in an exhilarating game match 1 that was full of highlights.

Faith Simiyu taking a two point shot in their game against JKUAT on November 30, 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Both teams decided to play a defensive game. They also traded basket for basket and by the end of the second quarter, all teams were 6 ups.

In the third quarter, RVNP managed to feed off the energy of their home fans and this enabled them to have a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, JKUAT showed the defending champions that they have not come to play and they managed to secure a last-minute win, to beat them narrowly, 14-12.

Securing an all-important win in the first leg of three that will be played to determine the winner.

All eyes are now fixed on who will be crowned this year’s Nakuball champions.

JKUAT takes Nakuball cup in ladies' category, men's final postponed

Author Spotlight

Bret Sanya