Shock as student collapses and dies during netball match

A form two student at Bishop Okoth Mbaga Girls High School in Siaya County collapsed and died during a netball quarter-final match during the annual Eregi Open National Tournament at Eregi Teachers Training College at the weekend.

According to Kenya Netball Federation Western Branch official, Nelson Indumwa who was the match umpire, the youthful player, who was playing at wing defence, made some noise and collapsed on the pitch.

She was rushed to the Iguhu County Level 4 hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“She collapsed when we were going for a centre pass after a score had been made. I stopped the game for the player to be given some medical attention before she was rushed to hospital,” Indumwa said, adding that the game resumed and Mbaga lost the match without any idea of the tragedy that had befallen one of their own.

Emwaniro later played in the finals against Nyanza champions Nyakach Girls and lost 13-20 at this annual festival, which attracted 21 teams from across the country.

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association chairman Peter Orero condoled with the family saying it was a unfortunate that such a young girl should lose her life.

“I am very happy that some schools are already participating in netball tournament as early as now in preparation for the inter schools netball championships to be held in July, but is unfortunate that we had to lose such a young life,” Orero said.

Also sending messages of condolence were Kenya Netball Federation Secretary Millicent Busolo and Fixtures Secretary Joseph Makau.

The annual event saw teams battle in netball, basketball, hockey, handball, football and volleyball.