City Stars, Nairobi shine as National Goalball Championships conclude

In the men’s final, City Stars delivered a dominant performance, defeating hosts UON 9–4 in a high-energy contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. 

On the women’s side, Nairobi overcame a resilient Karaba side 9–7 in a closely fought battle to lift the title.

The two-day tournament was organized by the Kenya Sports Association for the Visually Impaired (KESAVI) under the stewardship of President Charles Waitherero.

“This year’s tournament was very competitive and marked a big step in spreading the sport across Kenya,” Waitherero said. “We also held simultaneous games in Kiambu, Kericho, and Bomet to decentralize and grow Goalball at the grassroots level.”

Goalball, a sport designed specifically for the blind and visually impaired, uses a ball embedded with bells. 

Players rely on sound and tactile court markings to navigate and compete.

Teams are made up of six players, with three members playing at any one time. 

The object of the game is to throw a ball past the opponents and into their net to score points.

Players stay on their hands and knees to defend their net and score against their opponents.

Aside from crowning national champions, the tournament also served as a qualifying event for the 2025 IBSA Africa Goalball Championships.

Despite the success, logistical hurdles remain a major challenge.

“Most visually impaired athletes require guides, which doubles travel and accommodation costs,” Waitherero noted.

“Even getting the right equipment is costly, but we’re grateful for the disability act that gives tax relief and makes some of these processes easier.”

Waitherero acknowledged limited support from the Sports Act, particularly for local tournaments.

“When we travel with the national team, the government through the Sports Fund steps in. But for events like this, we mostly depend on partnerships and personal networks.”

In a significant milestone for the sport, over a dozen have, for the first time, been trained and certified as Goalball coaches and referees.

This achievement was made possible through a collaborative effort between Goalball UK and the Ministry of Sports.

The development marks a crucial step in building the technical capacity needed to elevate the game in the country.

With the availability of certified technical personnel, the sport is now better positioned to nurture talent, enforce professional standards, and enhance competitiveness.