Nabela rallies TUK on as losing streak threatens their Super Cup chances

Former Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) champions Technical University of Kenya (TUK) head coach Ibsen Nabela has lauded the team for massive improvements technically despite having not won a single game in the league so far. 

In their last outing before the league went on a break, Nabela's charged were shocked to a 33-30 defeat in the hands of Makueni Bees, a defeat that leaves them 16 on the 17-team log. 

TUK, who are still chasing a first win of the season having played seven matches, have only done better than debutants Young City who have lost all ten of their matches. Kenyatta University and University if Eldoret who are ranked higher than the two sides are yet to play any match this season. 

Despite the results of their last seven matches, the tactician noted some improvements in the game against Bees and was able to point out areas that needed to be worked on even as the team's hopes of making the top six for a chance to feature in the Super Cup dwindle. 

"Against Bees we had a very good match. We focus alot on playing clean and safe handball and are tactical oriented and I was happy with how my squad executed in that game. A slight slip up in the end cost us the game," said Nabela. 

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The coach pointed out that conversion cost them what would have been a first and crucial victory as they led 13-18 at half time and at one point they had doubled that lead before allowing the high school side to make a comeback for the win.

"We need to increase the number of goals we are scoring and tighten our defense so we can concede less. Our moves and plays are working but for the scoring, we are missing easy chances. 

However, injuries have affected the team and most of the time we are stretched thin on the bench and some of the players are in action but not fully fit. Against Bees we had two players nursing injuries but with a fit squad we will get better," added the coach. 

As part of his plans to bag a win in the coming matches, after the general election-occasioned break, Nabela says the team will attempt to play each player in their traditional positions so they can fully master them.