Fans decry lack of matches as inaugural Kenya Kabaddi Premier League concludes

Kabaddi fans in the country have insisted on the need for support of the sport to expose players to high-intensity matches as well as provide them with a source of excitement just like other sports.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the curtains of the inaugural Kenya Kabaddi Premier League rolled down, the visibly concerned fans noted that the sport was a sleeping giant.

The final was played at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Saturday night with JKUAT Assassins, and Black Falcon Babes emerging victorious in the men's and women’s categories respectively.

“This sport has lots of fans in the country. Unfortunately, we do not get the necessary support,” Lucy Njenga, a fan, explained.

Her sentiments were echoed by Moses Wanjala, who noted that Kabaddi has flown the country’s flag high in various global events, but does not receive the recognition it deserves.

In 2019, the Kenyan team won the Junior World Silver Medal in Iran.

They went ahead to win silver in the Bangabandhu Cup in Bangladesh for a record two years in 2020 and 2021.

They also won bronze in 2018 during the Chinese Taipei tournament, and are the African Championship defending champions.

“Our record so far is amazing. We need a little support and we will shock the world,” Wanjala said.

About the Inaugural Kenya Kabaddi Premier League

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) emerged the winners of the inaugural Kenya Kabaddi Premier League after defeating Rapid Deployment Unit 56-45 while Black Falcon Babes saw off Kayole Divas 37-33 to claim the ladies’ title.

The league commenced on 5 August 2023 with 12 teams battling for the ultimate title.

The matches were played in a round-robin format where each team faced the other twice.

After the league stage, the top six teams advanced to the finals.

The teams were Githurai Cheetahs, JKUAT Assassins, Black Falcons, University of Nairobi (UoN) Tigers, Kenyatta University Hawks, and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) KC advanced to the playoffs.

In the playoffs, Githurai Cheetahs and JKUAT Assassins secured direct slots to the semi-finals. Black Falcons locked horns with RDU in the first eliminator in a match that ended 65-27 in favor of the latter to see Black Falcons out of main cup contention.

UON Tigers won the second eliminator against KU Hawks, earning a spot in the second semi-final.

The remaining four teams, Githurai Cheetahs, JKUAT Assassins, RDU, and UON Tigers, battled in the semi-finals.

RDU saw off Githurai Cheetahs 61-54 in the first semi-final to proceed to the final stage while JKUAT Assassins won the second semifinal against UON Tigers to secure a spot in the finals.

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Women’s category

The women’s category was even more competitive, with Black Falcon Babes narrowly losing 37-33 to Kayole Divas.

This category also featured six teams; UON Tigress, Black Falcon Babes, Pink Sharks, Kayole Divas, Kasarani Lioness, and JKUAT Assassins who all qualified for the playoffs under the single playoff rule.

UON Tigress and Black Falcon Babes advanced directly to the semi-finals.

In eliminator one, Pink Sharks defeated JKUAT Ladies to qualify for the first semi-final, while in the second eliminator, Kayole Divas overcame Kasarani Lions to secure a spot in the second semi-final.

UON Tigress lost to Kayole Divas in the first semi-final with Pink Sharks going down to Black Falcon Babes in the second semifinal to set up a thrilling final against the Kayole Divas.