L. MathekaGSU train guns on NCPB in crunch league clash
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 20.02.23. | 14:05
The match is scheduled for Sunday 26 from 13:30 hrs at Nyayo
Third-placed General Service Unit (GSU) will, this weekend, look to subject Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men’s league leaders National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to their first loss of the season when the two sides clash at Nyayo Handball Court.
The clash has all the ingredients of a thriller as the millers are keen to protect their lead and unbeaten run while GSU are keen to fight for a maiden with a win boosting their chances.
The Brian Mathews- led NCPB headline the standings after a 15-match unbeaten streak for 30 points, two behind Ulinzi who have a match in hand and are yet to lose a match as well.
GSU are in third place on 26 points from 15 matches, having lost twice. Two of their wins came this weekend as hey got back to action after the December/January break.
In a tense match, the paramilitary side survived a Buccaneers’ scare to pick a 23-21 victory in a match played on Saturday 19 February. On Sunday, the side had an easier clash, winning 34-21 against Nairobi City Council (NCC).
“This match against Buccaneers was tough but it helped us identify areas we needed to work on before facing off with NCPB who are a better team. We have to play better defense an be clinical in our finishing to stand a chance against them. Endurance and speed will also play a major role in that match,” offered GSU skipper Raphael Chege.
Against Buccaneers, GSU had a good start, pulling away after ten minutes of back and forth in scores, to lead 14-06 at the half-time whistle. Buccaneers returned for the second half charged and one goals after another, they cut their deficit from eight goals to two at 18-16 and it was game on!
Buccaneers managed to tie the score at 19 and again at 20 but GSU's bench power proved superior as they held on for the win.
Nicholas Nyongesa’s stops on goal played a major role in stopping the resilient Buccaneers who have lost one of their key players in Radzi Stower to GSU at the beginning of the year.
