Oyaro confident of Ulinzi’s Super Cup title chances

As the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) pre-season tournament, Super Cup, set to throw off on 20 May at Nyayo handball court gets underway, Ulinzi men’s side have their work cut out.

Under the tutelage of former player Nixon Oyaro, the military side is banking on their good run in the last season to reclaim the title.

Pooled in group B alongside Kenyatta University and Strathmore University, Oyaro’s charges face a tough test against the two varsity sides as they look to finish in the top two for a semis berth.

“We have been training for the last one month with the title in mind. We knew the teams we are facing in the group stage after the conclusion of the league so we have prepared with that in mind.

Top of the list on things we have worked on was our defense. If we get our defense right then everything else will fall in place. We have our game plan set and have polished several plays that needed some work and I am confident the team is ready for action,” Oyaro said.

The side finished second in the last season, concluded on 26 March. Facing off with champions National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in their final league match, Oyaro’s charges came close to beating the holder, playing for a 30-all draw.

“We missed some key players in that match and their availability for the Super Cup gives us confidence that we can go the distance and start the new season with silverware. We will, however, take it one match at a time,” Oyaro added.

GSU eye title as KHF Super Cup nears

Pool A has General Service Unit (GSU) and Black Mamba going up against league champions and Super Cup holders NCPB, a side that finished the just-concluded season unbeaten. 

Meanwhile, the women’s competition will see holders Nairobi Water Queens take on Ulinzi Sharks, NCPB Ladies and Rangers in a round-robin format of play to determine the winner.

The Jack Ochieng-led Water are the overwhelming favourite to defend the Cup with their toughest test likely to come from Ulinzi Sharks. 

 Super Cup

MEN

POOL A                                     

1. CEREALS BOARD                           

2. G.S.U.                                    

3. BLACK MAMBA     

POOL B

1. KDF-ULINZI

2. STRATHMORE

3. KENYATTA UNIVERSITY                      

 WOMEN

1. NAIROBI WATER

2. ULINZI SHARKS

3. CEREALS BOARD

4. RANGERS

SUPER CUP FIXTURES

Saturday 20 May

1. ULINZI  Vs KU (M) 10.00 AM

2. NCPB Vs MAMBA (M) 11.30 AM

3. WATER Vs RANGERS (W) 1.00 PM

4. KDF SHARKS Vs NCPB (W) 2.30PM

Sunday 21 May

5. GSU Vs MAMBA 10.00 AM

6. NCPB Vs RANGERS (W) 11.30 AM

7. STARTHMORE Vs KU (M) 1.00PM

8. KDF Vs WATER (W) 2.30 PM

Saturday 27 May

9. GSU Vs NCPB (M) 9.00 AM

10. ULINZI Vs STRATHMORE (M) 10.30AM

11. RANGERS Vs KDF (W) 12.00 NOON

12 SEMI F 1 (WINNER A Vs 2ND POOL B) 2.30 PM

13 SEMI F 2 (WINNER B Vs 2ND POOL A) 3.30 PM

Sunday 28 May

14. WATER Vs NCPB (W) 2.00PM

15. FINALS (M) 3.30 PM