Lucas Akatinda relishing shot-stopper role at Strathmore University

Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's league side Strathmore University's Lucas Akatinda is enjoying his role as the team's shot stopper. 

Coach Peter Mwathi has, in the tail end of the just concluded season, given the third-year student a leading role at goal with first choice keeper Edgar Wanjala often coming in as a substitute, before picking an injury that kept him out for a few matches.

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The keeper says his stay with the team has made him a better player and he is enjoying his role. As they fought to maintain a Super Cup slot, he played a key role propelling the side to their target.

“It is a bit of pressure having to live up to expectations and standards that the past keepers have set. I am, however, lucky to have a squad that plays defensively well so I am well protected in any match and when I do my part, then we are safe. 

The pressure is just the normal one expected during any match situation as opposed to trying to outdo Edgar or the other keepers that have played for the team," offered the Aquinas high school alumnus. 

He credits Wanjala and coach Mwathi for his impressive improvement. 

"I have learned a lot from Edgar. More than half of what I do I have picked from him and that has been instrumental in my role. He also keeps giving me tips on what to do better even during matches," he added. 

As for playing under the national team coach, Mwathi, Akatinda says it is a pleasure to receive the best of coaching there is and admits that his confidence in goal has grown tenfold. 

Coach Mwathi is full of praise for the shot stopper, saying that he is living up to expectations. 

"When we recruited Akatinda we saw the potential he had and he is delivering as expected. His height and wingspan are perfect for the role and I am happy with his performance. 

He has gained a lot of self-belief and the team is also trusting him more. Even in the absence of Wanjala, we are confident in his services," Mwathi said adding that the coming season will be even bigger for the keeper despite signing a third shot stopper.

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The team played for 14 wins in 18 matches with one draw against Ulinzi HC and three losses to Inspired Boys, winners National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and Thika Engineers.