Holders NCPB, Sharks send statement of intend
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 30.09.24. | 16:12
Nairobi Water won their opener 33-24 against Firehawks on Sunday 29 September as they look to reclaim their crown
Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) leagues got underway this weekend with holders National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and Ulinzi Sharks getting their title defence campaigns off to a stellar start.
In the men’s league, NCPB made easy work of varsity side Kenyatta University (K.U), winning the match, that was rained off on Saturday 28 and played on Sunday 29 September, 40-17.
The Dunstan Eshikumo-led men were ahead by 10 goals at halftime, finishing the job in the second half as recruit Christopher Mayende, signed from paramilitary side General Service Unit (GSU), top scored with seven.
“Starting the season on a winning note was our target. We also got to see the recruits in action and they performed well. They were brought in to bolster the squad after we lost three players last season and I a confident they will help us retain the title,” Eshikumo, the side’s assistant coach offered.
The Millers have made key additions led by the acquisition of Mayende, a scoring machine with his previous side, who joins alongside teammate Erick Nyawera. Charles Malema joins from Black Mamba while Stephen Wanyonyi makes his debut in the league, signed from high school.
NCPB lifted last season’s league at the death after a brilliant 30-25 win over rivals Ulinzi in their last fixture. They, however, lost the Super Cup title to Equity Bank HC and while the tactician admits the season will be a dogfight, he believes in his team’s abilities.
Last season’s runners-up Ulinzi had Kevin Imo picking from where he left off to put 11 past Desert Scorpions as the military side opened their chase for elusive league silverware with a 39-20 win. Nixon Oyaro’s charges lost the league title to NCPB and failed to reach the final in the Super Cup, won by Equity.
Meanwhile, Ulinzi Sharks who completed a double over perennial winners Nairobi Water, winning the league and Cup, opened their season with a convincing 44-23 victory over newbies Firehawks with Sarah Wasike still calling the shots, scoring 11 for the win. Dorothy Machuma added 10.
Nairobi Water won their opener 33-24 against Firehawks on Sunday 29 September as they look to reclaim their crown.
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