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A carnival-like atmosphere engulfed the game venue as enthusiastic fans celebrated the return of the Eldoret Women’s Basketball League (EWBL), six years after being disrupted by the novel coronavirus.

Scores of basketball-starved fans thronged the newly built, ultra-modern Holtman and Kelly Court at Uasin Gishu Secondary School to witness the relaunch of the EWBL.

In the opening game, Panthers Baddies triumphed over Only Jesus Christ Saves (OJCS) with a 70-38 decisive victory.

OJCS started the game at a blistering pace, running circles around Panthers Baddies in the first quarter.

However, the Panthers regained their poise in the second, third and fourth quarters, ultimately winning the exhilarating encounter 70-38. Panthers Baddies’ coach, Quinto Wanjiru, in an interview with People Sport after the maiden EWBL game, attributed the win to the team’s rediscovered chemistry, which allowed them to dominate the remaining quarters.

The victory came before a capacity crowd of delighted spectators, who had missed the women’s league for six years due to the pandemic. Team chemistry “It was a good first game for the relaunched EWBL.

The first quarter was highly contested, but once our players found their chemistry, we were able to win. However, I realize we need to work on our offensive and defensive strategies ahead of our next game,” she remarked.

The second EWBL game of the weekend, between Baddies Yankees and Kimumu Wizards at the same venue, was interrupted by a heavy downpour that hit Eldoret City. By the time of going to press, both teams were tied at 35 points each.

Kimumu Wizards were leading by 7 points to the Yankees’ 4 points at the start of the game. The tactician also gave a thumbs-up to the outstanding performances of Joy Rono and Mitchelle Chepkemboi, who both netted 17 points each. Similarly, OJCS countered through their top scorer, Cynthia Elim, who registered a game-high 21 points.

Other notable scorers for OJCS included Emmah Nambuya and Juliet Moraa, with 12 and 10 points respectively.

OJCS struggle Wanjiru also lauded Eldoret basketball fans for turning out in large numbers to watch the EWBL games, noting, “Initially, when the resumption of the women’s basketball league was highlighted by People Sport, fans thought it was a bad rumour. But today, they witnessed the return of the league,” a delighted Wanjiru said.

On the opposing side, OJCS coach Ricky Kipruto agreed that the first EWBL game was exciting but lamented that his team was short-handed, which led to some foul play.

However, he commended the players for maintaining their composure until the final whistle. Kipruto said the team’s technical bench will address their weak areas before their next EWBL game.

“For our next game, we plan to come back as a stronger outfit, and we promise our fans it will be a game worth watching,” Kipruto assured.