NCPB shift focus to East and Central Africa Club championship

Coach Danstun Eshikumo is confident that his charges National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) men's handball team is ready to fight for the East and Central Africa Club championship title. 

The competition is scheduled for 4 to 11 December in Zanzibar and the millers will be looking to bag the title they lost to Rwanda Police in the last edition held in Dar es Salaam. 

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As part of their preparations, Eshikumo's charges played a league match on the weekend beating varsity side UoE 40-21. The tactician maintains that their focus is on winning the regional title. 

"The team is doing well. In the league matches, we are playing cautiously as we would not want to have injury issues when the international tournament nears. 

On the weekend, I rested a few players while everyone else who was on the playing list for the match got a few minutes on the court as we want to maintain our fitness," the tactician explained. 

Other Kenyan teams expected to feature in the men's competition in Zanzibar are former league champions Black Mamba and Ulinzi HC. 

The millers head to the regional championship buoyed by a good run in the local league where they remain unbeaten after 14 matches and lead the standings with 28 points, tied with the military side, but with a superior goal difference.

"Our last championship was tough and we lost to Rwanda partly because we were making a comeback to international competition after a three-year break. We missed the 2019 edition and the next two were not held due to Covid-19. 

We also missed key players who could not travel with the team. As at now, I have confirmation from all players that they will be available and I remain hopeful that the status quo remains as we look to reclaim that title," added Eshikumo. 

Mamba, who finished third in the last championship head to competition on the back of two losses in the league after 13 matches and having struggled for some of their wins. 

Meanwhile, the women's league, Super Cup and East and Central Africa women title holders Nairobi Water Queens are also expected to defend their gong in Zanzibar. 

The Jack Ochieng-led side will be accompanied by NCPB women and military side Ulinzi Sharks to the competition.