The host, Aga Khan Academy from Mombasa and Umoja Junior School from Changamwe were crowned the new champions of the M-PESA Jr. NBA Coast Regional finals, held yesterday at the prestigious Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa County.

The Aga Khan Academy boys, under the stewardship of Coach Eugine Auka, showcased their prowess in the boys’ finals, securing a hard-fought 25-19 victory over Kinango Junior School in a tightly contested showdown at the indoor court arena. Aga Khan executed a high-pressure defense, forcing turnovers and shutting down their opponents in both halves to clinch the regional title.

In the girls’ finals, Umoja Junior School from Changamwe stamped their authority over the host team, Aga Khan Academy, in a dominant and electrifying game to secure a 20-15 victory. Umoja set the tempo early in the first half, with Zuhura Suleiman’s quick-fire buckets propelling them to an 8-4 lead at halftime. Despite Aga Khan’s relentless effort to mount a second-half comeback, Umoja held their ground with strong offensive plays and solid defense, sealing the victory and the championship title.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Aga Khan head coach Eugine Auka expressed his excitement after his team’s remarkable performance in both categories. “I am really impressed by what my teams have achieved in this tournament. Winning the boys’ title and finishing second in the girls’ category is no easy feat, especially against such tough and well-prepared opponents. I want to commend the organizers, M-PESA and NBA Africa, for such a well-organized tournament. We need more of these high-quality competitions to help our young players develop and excel in this sport,” said Eugine Auka, Head Coach, Aga Khan Academy.

Both Aga Khan (Boys) and Umoja JSS (Girls) secured their spots in the finals after stella performances in the semifinals, where Aga Khan outplayed St. Mary’s JSS 18-10 and Umoja JSS edged out Tsagwa JSS 8-6 in morning matchups.

As part of their victory, players from both winning teams walked away with smartphones and airtime courtesy of Safaricom M-PESA.

Taking third place were Oshwal Academy and Tsagwa JSS in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively, after playoff victories against St. Mary’s and Mwanamunga.

“M-PESA Jr. NBA Coast Regional tournament has truly demonstrated the immense potential in our young basketball talents. That is why, as Safaricom, we are committed to supporting various sports in the country to nurture and develop these young athletes. We recognize that sports is not only a passion but a viable career path. Beyond supporting the competition, we are also equipping these young players with essential financial literacy skills through M-PESA Go,” said Evans Muga, Coast Regional Marketing Lead at Safaricom.

The two-day M-PESA Jr. NBA Coast Regional tournament saw 40 teams comprising 480 players from Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale take part in the event. Beyond the on-court action, Safaricom integrated financial literacy sessions through M-PESA Go, which saw the young players equipped with essential financial management skills.

“I never imagined we had such incredible basketball talent at the grassroots level. What I witnessed here today proves that Kenya is brimming with young talent. What we need now is the right structures to further develop these sports. Seeing 480 players take part in this tournament is a testament to the passion and potential we have,” said Michael Finley, NBA Africa - Kenya Country Lead.

With Nairobi and Coast regions done, the M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament now heads to Eldoret on March 15th – 16th, 2025, at Nova Pioneer School.