KPS, AP emerge champions at inaugural Kabaddi Mtaani League finals in Nairobi

KPS displayed experience and composure to defeat City Panthers 69-55 to lift the men’s title while AP ladies side held their nerves to narrowly edge KPS ladies 58-52 to be crowned the women’s champions.

A jubilated KPS men’s head coach Amos Kagiri was full of praise for the newly formed City Panthers, who reached the final in what was their debut season.

“We are an experienced side, but we did not expect such a tactical and skillful approach from the Panthers,” Kagiri said.

“Yes, we have won, but that is a side to watch. I have to thank Owen Mucheru for a job well done guiding a first-timers’ team all the way to the finals.”

Owen Mucheru, a national team player who doubles as player-coach for City Panthers, a team hailing from Kasarani constituency, noted that while the team showed great character, their journey was hampered by socio-economic challenges.

Many of the team's core players have relocated to different towns in search of work, affecting their training consistency and squad chemistry.

“I am glad we reached the final and pushed big institutional teams like KPS and Prisons,” Mucheru said. “However, at least five of our players have moved to other counties for employment, and this has made coordinated training difficult.”

In the women’s category, Reuben Odipo-coached Administration Police (AP) narrowly edged KPS in a tense match played on sand in the beach Kabaddi format to seal their place as the first women’s champions of the Kabaddi Mtaani League.

Kenya Kabaddi Sports Federation (KKSF) Competitions Manager, Perpetual Muthoni Mbutu, commended the teams for their commitment throughout the five-month league. She encouraged players to continue improving as the federation works to strengthen the national set-ups.

The men’s league featured eight teams: KPS, AP A and B, City Panthers, Paradiso, Kenya Prisons, and National Youth Service (NYS) A and B.

The women’s league included AP, KPS, and schoolgirls from Juddima Academic Centre.

KKSF has announced a short break before the next phase of the Kabaddi Mtaani League is held.