Handball: NCPB looking to build on ECAHF success
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 24.12.24. | 17:50
Four teams, the top three and sixth-placed General Service Unit (GSU) remain unbeaten in the 27-team league
Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's league champions National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) are looking to ride on their ECAHF championship momentum when the local league returns in January.
The millers won three in a row at the East and Central Africa Handball Federation (ECAHF) championship held in Kigali to lift gold after previous crownings in 2022 in Zanzibar and 2023 in Nairobi.
"We came to Rwanda on a trophy hunt. Not just any hunt but a treble hunt and the job is now done," NCPB skipper Timothy Kirimi says. "It is no mean feat. Huge appreciation to our sponsors NCPB and Kenyan fans who have been rallying behind us all through, it's Home!"
Asked how his side survived through the competition to beat home side Rwanda Police FC 30-27 in a final they trailed by as many as seven, Kirimi credits his teammates for their fighting spirit.
"It didn't come in easy especially in the final. Credit to the team's unrelenting fighting spirit overcoming a seven-goal deficit and winning by three," he explained. "We handled our preliminary matches technically, with a lot of rotation and energy preservation which guaranteed us an easier shoot through into the knockout stages. Immense credit to our technical team."
The ECAHF champions make a return to local action, expected to resume in January, keen to continue their unbeaten streak and go on to lift the regular league title and complete the tripple with the Super Cup.
The Brian Matthews-coached side is currently third on the log on 20 points from 10 matches, two points behind leaders Equity Bank and are tied with Ulinzi HC who have a superior goal difference.
Four teams, the top three and sixth-placed General Service Unit (GSU) remain unbeaten in the 27-team league that will be split into two in the new season.
