KUSA experience a plus for Mwathi-coached Strathmore

Strathmore University Handball men's side begin training, next week, in readiness for the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) Super Cup slated tentatively for early February 2022. 

Having fallen short in clinching their first KHF men's league title to finish second to National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), the Peter Mwathi-coached side is looking to atone for their sins by clinching the Cup, fought for by the top six league finishers. 

The tactician believes the experience gained by his squad in winning their first ever Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) National championship title on 21 December at the 8th National Inter-University Games will go a long way in giving the players the confidence needed to win the KHF Cup.

The university Games held at Kibabii University, Bungoma between 18 and 21 December saw Mwathi guide his charges past Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in the final to lift the title. 

"Winning our first national championship is a big morale booster for the youngsters who are eligible to play in the University games. In April this year, we lost the National Playoffs, after winning it for seven consecutive years. I had many injuries at the time so it was expected,"

He continues; "We won the Inter-University Championship in a final against Masinde Muliro in September, while still playing in the league but it was the elusive National championship that the players badly wanted to win."

Mwathi admits that it took alot of toughness for his squad to go past Kenyatta University (K.U) in the championship quarters, a team that is home to his former player Brian Wakukha who turns out for NCPB in the league. Additionally, K.U who have also qualified for the Super Cup in sixth place were out to prove their mettle in the University games. 

"It was a real derby and it took a combination of plays to go past K.U. Our defense did the magic and winning that knockout match gave the players confidence to face the semis and final for the win," he added.

Going into the Super Cup, Mwathi believes that experience gives the players the confidence that their plays can work against any team and hand them victory.

"They will use the same to fight for Cup victory. We resume training in the second week of January with the Cup and league in mind as well as the East Africa University Games that Kenya will host in April 2022," offered Mwathi.