MTG win football title as Beach Games culminate in Malindi

MTG United defended their ladies beach soccer title after edging Mombasa Olympic 4-3 with Rita Jilani scoring all the four goals for the winners, as the second edition of the Kenya Beach Games culminated at the Buntwani waterfront in Malindi on Sunday.

The two-day multi-sport event also saw Mombasa Heroes win the men's category after thrashing Yanga 5-1 as former Champions Watamu Stars finished third.

Jilani was particularly over the moon after the exhilarating show.

"Scoring all the four goals in the final and 10 in the rest of the tourney. It was as a result of the team work because all beach games need that and I am glad we got it in our squad," said Jilani.

In the newly introduced beach hockey, Mvita 11 came from three goals down to defeat Young Tigers through penalty flicks as Coast Queens retained the handball title.

Diana Natecho had an easy time in defending her rowing title in the 500 metres race at the waterfront. 

"Everyday is a learning day, I won the title last year but today I have done it with an improved time, meaning I'm moving in the right direction," said Diana.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) who hosted the two days event say they aim to have more competitive events in the next two years ahead of the Africa Beach Games.

According to Secretary General Francis Mutuku, Kenya will be lobbying to host the Africa Beach Games in 2026.

"We want to have strong teams when the Africa next edition comes and that is why we are hosting these games and even we will be ready to host the Africa beach games should Equatorial Guinea fail to do so," said Mutuku.

Both the two editions have been hosted at the Buntwani Waterfront in Malindi Kilifi County, and NOC-K who are exploring other options have hinted the intention to take the next edition to another beachline.