Match day two of the Nakuru Universities and Colleges League came to a close today and as always there were exciting matches from both the men's and women's side.

Mtaa Wangu decided to take a look at the new kids in the block, Laikipia University team, or as they are commonly referred to; rubbles.

Their captain Bradshaw Ombima says they are very excited to join the Nakuball league and that the league will give them some very much needed exposure, that will go a long way in sharpening their basketball skills.

Read: Exciting season ahead: Nakuru Universities Colleges Basketball League set to deliver thrilling matches

Steve Ochieng (Laikipia University) making a lay up in their game against NTTC on 17th February 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

" We are in it, to win it. As a team we believe we have what it takes to go up against the best the league has to offer and we know it will not be easy but we never back down from a challenge," he said.

He says that the team consisting of 12 players has participated in various tournaments, including the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) games.

On the ladies’ side, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) brought their ladies team to the league. From the get go, the ladies proved that they will be a force to be reckoned with.

They thrashed Kabarak Ladies 17-1 in what could be termed as a walk over and Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) ladies who were last year's winners were beaten 19-7.

Lavine Owiti (JKUAT) doing a post move against their opponents Kabarak University team on 17th February 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Watch: JKUAT wins Nakuru Universities Colleges League 2023

We got to speak to their captain Mercy Ondara who says the team would want to emulate the success of the men's team and also emerge as winners in this new season.

"We have come into the league this year with high expectations of going into the playoffs, through to the finals and winning the league. We know it won't be easy but I believe the team is capable enough of emerging the best," she says.

The highlight of the day was the game between last year's finalists RVIST and JKUAT.

It seemed this time, RVIST were out for revenge and indeed they got it. The game was action packed and very tight but RVIST managed to narrowly win the game 25-24.

Alvin Longinus (RVIST) player taking a two point shot in their game against JKUAT on 17th February 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Related: The history of basketball in Nakuru

In other games, RVIST ladies won against Kabarak ladies 21-10, Nakuru Teachers Training College NTTC lost to Laikipia University 19-34. Kabarak men won against NTTC 28-13 and Laikipia University lost to Kabarak 39-24.

sanyabret@gmail.com

Laikipia University makes impressive entry into Nakuball league

Author Spotlight

Bret Sanya