Double win for Zetech in Football Leagues

Zetech University awarded their football teams for outperforming opponents to claim deserved victories in the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) and the Universities and Colleges Football League 2018-2019 tournament.

The motivated players are beneficiaries of the University sports scholarship programme introduced in 2012 that has awarded over Kshs. 7,000,000 to over 500 students to date. This semester, over Kshs. 700, 000 was awarded to 30 students undertaking different programmes.

Zetech clinched a double deal as their men and ladies football teams emerged top in the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) 2018-2019 League in a closing battle that ended March. A goal from team captain Puren Anyetu powered the Zetech ladies to silence Machakos University 1-0 to complete an unbeaten run in the KUSA Nairobi contest to qualify for the national playoffs.

The team, which plays in the Kenya women’s premier league and was crowned first runners up in the recently concluded UCFL 2018-2019 tournament, has vowed to aim for the top spot in the playoffs to be held in Nairobi slated for this April; last year, the teams emerged third in the regional competition and did not make it for the national fight.

In the men’s quarters, the Zetech Titans topped the league table to become the 2018-2019 KUSA Nairobi champions, beating rivals University of Nairobi and Africa Nazarene University to claim bragging rights. With 30 games played and 66 points in the bag, the team lost only two games and wait to battle universities from all over the world in a heated national encounter.

Lauding the teams for their brilliant performance, Coach Bernard Kitolo cited the national playoffs as an opportunity for his teams to prove their prowess. “I have noted a lot of improvement among my players who have been disciplined, confident and tactful. We are still building and we believe we will do well in the KUSA national tournament.” said Kitolo.

The gents, who have a point to prove this year after surrendering the first spot to Machakos University in the 2017-2018 games, also beat Utalii college home and away to be crowned the UCFL national champions 2018-2019.

Celebrating the achievement Dr. Alice Njuguna, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Student Affairs highlighted the value of investing in talent development to enable students to excel both in class and on the field. “As Zetech, we are proud of our teams as they continue to impress in national leagues. Winning these championships reflects their skills and discipline and we look forward to their performance in the nationals.” said Dr. Njuguna. She further highlighted that the scholarship programme is designed to provide talented, needy students with an opportunity to grow talent while accessing quality higher education.

The Zetech teams cut cake with Dean, Student Affairs Elizabeth Muhia and Coach Bernard Kitolo

“Our scholarships are awarded to talented and needy students with skills in different sports, who may lack the means to meet tuition fees.” said Dr. Njuguna, adding. “It is also intended to promote the recruitment and retention of highly talented students. Scholarships are awarded every semester to successful applicants who have met the minimum requirements as set by the sports committee. The percentage awarded to each beneficially is based on talent, financial need, academic qualifications and the duration a player has been in the team.”

The University’s focus is to ensure students benefit from a holistic university experience by nurturing their talent and giving them quality education to ensure that they well equipped for the future.

Compiled by Dianne Patience