Ulinzi Sharks break title jinx to lift 2024 KHF trophy
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 22.06.24. | 16:06
National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) retained the men's title, after beating Ulinzi HC 30-25 in the final league game
Ulinzi Sharks are the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women's league champions.
The military side ends a decade-long dominance by Nairobi Water with a win against the same side in the final league match.
Sarah Wasike and Dorothy Machuma led Sharks' attack in the 31-27 win, contributing 11 and 8 goals respectively.
The military side had a strong start, racing to an 8-4 lead early on to force coach Jack Ochieng into a timeout as they looked to restrategise before things got out of hand.
Sharks, however, had other plans, despite missing some sitters. The Victor Otieno-coached soldiers kept the onslaught going, leading 17-10 at half time.
In the second half, Gladys Chilo played her heart out as Water attempted a comeback, coming to within three goals of equalling the score with ten minutes on the clock.
Sensing danger, the military side picked the pace, taking all their chances to grow theor advantage back to six with four minutes on the clock.
Ochieng's charges could, however, not master the finishing power as they ran out of clock, relinquishing the title for the first time in 10 seasons.
"It has been a long time coming," an elated Wasike admitted after the match. "We came ready for this fight, well aware the challenge Water would present but we had done our homework. I am happy we held on even when lapses in concentration threatened to deny us the title."
.jpg)