Ulinzi focusing on KPL after regional Military Games glory

Ulinzi Stars Head Coach, Robert Matano, says his team’s focus now shifts to the Kenya Premier League (KPL) after a successful outing in the 10th edition of the 2016 East Africa Military Games and Cultural event in Rwanda, Kigali where the team clinched gold after finishing in the top spot.

The team jetted back to the country on Thursday night with Matano lauding Goalkeeper James Saruni who was awarded the best goalkeeper and striker John Makwata who emerged the tournament’s top scorer after netting three goals.

“The tournament was good. It was competitive and I hope we can pick up from where we left when we resume the league. We’re nine points adrift the leaders, Tusker FC so we have to be consistent with our results,” Matano told Citizen Digital.

Ulinzi beat Uganda 2-0 in their final match, thus helping Kenya earn the overall best team trophy.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Handball team were also crowned winners after beating former champions Rwanda Defence Forces by 32-26 in a tough final played at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium. The KDF handball team saw off Uganda and Tanzania in the tournament along their path to glory.

“We really played well and feel that we dominated the championship. The players worked hard for everything we achieved in Kigali so I thank them for their commitment in training,” Warrant Officer II Gibson Mwandawiro said.

Mwandawiro however noted that the team needed to improve on its conversion rate.

Ulinzi Corporal Edwin Chiti received the best goalkeeper’s award in the tournament while Rwanda Defense Force’s Corporal Gilbert Mutuyimana emerged the most valuable player. Private Frank Kiplagat was the top scorer.

In netball, Tanzania won all their matches en route to winning their ninth gold medal in the tournament while Uganda beat Kenya 55-43 to claim the silver medal as Rwanda finished fourth.

Annet Nichiwu was named the top scorer of the tournament while Umugwaneza Shallote of Rwanda was voted the best defender title and Nassra Suleiman became the most valuable player.

Hosts Rwanda retained the basketball title with the Kenya team winning silver and Uganda getting the bronze after beating Tanzania 73-57 in their last match on Thursday.

Kenya’s William Ochieng won the best defender’s award while his teammate Eric Mutolo emerged the top scoring player. The most valuable player award went to Steven Hagumintwali of Rwanda.

Uganda finished behind Kenya as the overall best team, winning silver with the hosts coming in third.