Bandari Youth, KNCP Queens Aim for Repeat Victory at BingwaFest Season Finale in Kwale

The final stage of Betika BingwaFest Season Two is happening in Kwale County, concluding on Sunday, February 22, at Kwale Stadium, with prize money totaling KES 17 million. Current football champions Bandari Youth and KNCP Queens seek to retain their titles, hoping to replicate their successful performances from the previous season in Mombasa. Both teams started their campaigns with drawsBandari Youth held to a goalless match by Simba Apparel, whom they defeated 1-0 in last season’s final, and KNCP Queens playing to a 3-3 draw against Blue Sea Ladies. The multi-sport event begins Thursday with rugby preliminary matches at NYS Mtongwe Grounds, leading to finals at Kwale Stadium on Sunday. Basketball starts Friday at the stadium, while athletics events occur at Shanzu Teachers Training College, featuring elite athletes such as Japan-based Wilson Rotiana Lemangale, current Africa and national 10,000m champion Gladys Kwamboka, Ostrava Golden Marathon winner Mary Munanu, and Naomi Korir, coming off her 2km Sirikwa Cross Country victory. Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti stated: “We are pleased to be in Kwale as we wrap up the regional qualifiers for Season Two. This area has consistently produced exceptional talent, and BingwaFest provides athletes an opportunity to showcase their abilities.” “Beyond the competition, they get to measure themselves against some of the top national and international competitors. We anticipate an exciting and competitive weekend as we name the Coast Bingwas.” Prize money remains substantial: football and rugby champions receive Ksh 1 million, with second and third-place finishers getting Ksh 500,000 and Ksh 250,000 respectively. Basketball champions earn Ksh 500,000, with second and third place teams receiving Ksh 250,000 and Ksh 100,000. In athletics, 10,000m gold medalists receive Ksh 300,000, 5,000m winners earn Ksh 250,000, while other track events award gold medalists Ksh 150,000. In addition to the competition, Betika BingwaFest maintains its community focus by organizing a free medical camp throughout the weekend at Kwale Stadium, offering general and specialist consultations, laboratory, and pharmacy services. Men’s Football Teams: Sango Sportiff FC, S.S Assad, Bumbani Stars, Wayzata Boys FC, Rwafa FC, L-15 FC, Kombani Youth, Ubuntu FC, Kwale United SC, Zaire FC, Good Hope SA, Simba Apparel, Azzam United, Bandari Youth, Coast Stars, Ganzoni FC Women’s Football Teams: Red Sea Majestic Starlets, Kidogo Basi Starlets, Arrows of Kajembe, Mgalani Queens, Diani Tigress, Ukunda Vision Starlets, Kayatiwi Girls, Red Queens, Kisauni Starlets, Eleven Starlets, Agro Queens, Marine Starlets, Kubo Starlets, KNCP Queens, Oceans D Ladies, Blue Sea Ladies.