Bronze-winning Kenya Divas calling for more exposure after UAE exploits
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 22.06.25. | 18:18
Standout center Akinyi was named Kenya’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for her consistent and impactful performances throughout
Kenya national women's netball team, Divas, wrapped up their campaign at the UAE Netball Championship in style, securing a well-deserved bronze medal after a 46-37 victory over Ireland.
As they land back home on Sunday, 22 June at 8 PM, the side will do so heads held high and yearning for more exposure tournaments.
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The six-day tournament concluded with Namibia, the pre-tournament favorites, living up to their billing by claiming gold with a 62-53 win in the final.
Kenya entered the third-place playoff with confidence, having already defeated Ireland in the round-robin stage.
The Divas started strong, taking control early and winning the first quarter 13-5 with spectacular attacking play and disciplined defense.
Ireland attempted a fightback in the second quarter, frequently pushing through the wings.
However, Kenya’s solid backline, led by the ever-alert Teresa Odhuon and team captain Parin Simiyu, kept the Irish threat at bay.
The Divas maintained their dominance to head into halftime with a 24-15 lead.
In the third quarter, Kenya continued to build on their momentum.
Wing attacker Elsa Ndong and dynamic center Irine Akinyi orchestrated several incisive plays that fatigued the Irish defense. By the end of the quarter, Kenya remained firmly in control with a 34-28 lead.
With the bronze medal within reach, coach Mugisha Ali made strategic substitutions in the final quarter, introducing Ramadhan Pauline and Vida Adhiambo in place of Cynthia Milinya and Ndong.
The changes injected fresh energy into the team, allowing the Divas to close out the match 46-37.
“This tournament has been a real test. Every team came well prepared,” said head coach Mugisha Ali. “We came here with a fresh squad compared to the one that played in Singapore last August, and I am proud of the progress we made in every game. We minimized errors, and even in the absence of Dorine Akinyi due to illness, Hellen Sinoya and Delilah Akinyi stepped up impressively. Going forward, the federation needs to secure more international matches to keep the team in top form.”
Captain Simiyu also praised the team’s performance, especially after a difficult start which saw Kenya narrowly lose to Namibia and Singapore in the group stages.
Standout center Akinyi was named Kenya’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for her consistent and impactful performances throughout.
