Giant-slaying Rangers chasing podium finish

After subjecting Ulinzi Sharks to their second loss of the season in the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women's league, Gerald Juma's charges Rangers HC are confident of a podium finish as the league conclusion nears. 

A podium place will not only guarantee the Kimilili-based side a seat on the same table with the best in the league, but also grant them a slot in the much-anticipated Super Cup. 

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Juma's charges had a perfect weekend, picking wins in all three matches they were scheduled to play to move second on the log, behind unbeaten Nairobi Water Queens. 

Naomy Wamalwa and Martha Lavendah propelled the side to a 37-28 win over Amazon Ladies HC before registering a historic 32-29 win over Ulinzi Sharks and a 33-19 easy win over Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). 

"The toughest match this weekend was against Sharks but we had studied them and had a game-plan that worked perfectly. 

Well aware we cannot compete with them on speed and endurance, we resulted to controlling the tempo and slowed the game down. 

We basically played walking Handball while in possession and defended well when they had the ball. That allowed us the chance to play our game for the win. 

This was a huge morale booster for the players who are very young. They have started believing more in themselves and I am confident they will face their remaining matches with much more vigour," offered coach Juma. 

The side has played the highest number of matches at 18 for 29 points from 14 wins, one draw and three loses. 

As the rest of the team's catch up on the number of matches played, Rangers may be pushed down from second place but Juma, aware that it would be a herculean task, says they are gunning for a podium finish. 

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"We really would love to maintain that second place at the end of the season. We have tough matches coming up especially against Water and National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) who are favourites. 

We will not shy away from taking the fight for a win to them. We know it is possible. My players are not as experienced as those in the two teams but they have what it takes to win these match-ups," Juma added. 

The side has four matches left to play before concluding their season. The matches are likely to be played innone weekend when the side makes their next trip to Nairobi.