SCHOOLS: How St Joseph Kitale teams reign supreme as Indomie backs KSSSA Basketball 3x3

St Joseph Girls Kitale after being kitted by Indomie.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

St Joseph Girls Kitale and St Joseph Boys Kitale were crowned champions as Indomie Kenya made a significant impact on the local sports scene by partnering with the Kenyan Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) to sponsor the highly anticipated basketball 3x3 tournament.

The sponsorship was a highlight of the Term Two finals held at Kisii School, where 16 boys' and 16 girls' basketball teams from across the country gathered to compete for the national title.

This collaboration not only enhanced the tournament's competitive spirit but also demonstrated Indomie’s commitment to promoting youth sports in Kenya.

Indomie Kenya's sponsorship included providing brand-new uniforms for all participating teams, a gesture that was warmly received by the young athletes.

The new attire added a sense of professionalism and pride, boosting the morale of the teams as they took to the court.

The finals, which concluded on Thursday, saw intense competition, culminating in thrilling victories for the new champions.

In the girls' category, St. Joseph Girls Kitale from the Rift Valley Region emerged as the new national champions, dethroning last year's winners, Ototo Mixed Secondary School.

Butere Girls after being kitted by Indomie.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

Ototo, who failed to qualify for this year's nationals, watched as St. Joseph Girls edged out Butere Girls High School in a nail-biting 13-12 victory. The closely contested match kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the high level of talent among the young players.

The boys' final was equally dramatic, with St. Joseph Boys Kitale pulling off a stunning last-second win against defending champions Onjiko.

With the score tied at 14-14 and only four seconds left on the clock, St. Joseph Boys executed a perfect two-pointer from beyond the three-point arc, sending the Rift Valley fans into a frenzy. The buzzer-beater secured their 16-14 victory and the national title, capping off a memorable tournament.

Joy Nyayual, who was instrumental in leading St. Joseph Girls to victory, was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Her exceptional performance throughout the tournament, particularly in the final against Butere Girls, highlighted her as one of the top talents in the country. Despite their loss, Butere Girls and Nasokol, who finished third after defeating Raila Education Center 10-6, will join St. Joseph Girls in representing Kenya at the East Africa Games in Mbale, Uganda, later this month.

In the boys' category, Onjiko and Friends School Kamusinga, who defeated Sawagongo 20-17 in the third-place playoffs, will also represent Kenya in Uganda.

The East Africa Games provide a platform for these talented young athletes to showcase their skills on a regional stage, and Indomie Kenya's sponsorship has played a crucial role in making this possible.

St Joseph Boys Kitale after being kitted by Indomie.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

Speaking on the partnership, Lucy Nyambura, the Marketing Director of Indomie Kenya, expressed the company’s excitement about the collaboration with KSSSA.

"We chose to sponsor the basketball 3x3 tournament this year because we believe in the power of sports to inspire and uplift young people. Our goal is to support youth development through sports, and we see this as a long-term commitment," said Nyambura.

She added that Indomie Kenya plans to continue its partnership with KSSSA, with future sponsorships aimed at expanding support to other sports disciplines and providing even more opportunities for young athletes across the country.

Indomie Kenya’s involvement in the KSSSA basketball 3x3 tournament has set a new standard for corporate sponsorship in school sports, and their long-term vision promises to foster the growth of young talent in Kenya for years to come.