KDF eye new battle front

What you need to know:

  • After reclaiming the East and Central Africa Handball Club Championship men’s title, Kenya Defence Forces have switched focus to the next month’s Jamhuri Cup Open Tournament.
  • KDF dethroned Rwanda Police 43-41 in their final match on Saturday to claim their second regional title.
  • The Kenyan soldiers first won the championship in 1998.

After reclaiming the East and Central Africa Handball Club Championship men’s title, Kenya Defence Forces have switched focus to the next month’s Jamhuri Cup Open Tournament.

KDF dethroned Rwanda Police 43-41 in their final match on Saturday to claim their second regional title.

The Kenyan soldiers first won the championship in 1998.

Both teams, together with Black Mamba, finished on four points but KDF possessed a superior goal difference to finish top and their compatriots second.

Police finished third while NCPB placed last with no points during the week-long competition.

Frank Kiplangat and Felix Kareithi scored 12 and 10 goals respectively for KDF.

KDF team manager Sammy Mwangangi said the team has had a successful year and will be looking to finish the season on a high by winning the December 10-12 tourney at the Nyayo Stadium.

KDF began the year by edging rivals National Cereals and Produce Board( NCPB) in the Super Cup and went on to clinch the East Africa Military Games title  in Rwanda. They recently retained their national league title before their exploits at the weekend.

“It has been a successful year for the lads and winning the tourney next month will ensure we end the season on a high. We hope to maintain the same form next season,” Mwangangi said.

The official further revealed that they will field two other teams, KDF Youth Tigers men and the Gunners women’s team in the three-day event that is expected to attract clubs from across the country.

In the women’s category, Nairobi Water retained the title with six points unbeaten, NCPB were second with four points as KDF finished third with two points while Sparklers failed to win any match.

“It feels good to retain the trophy both locally and regionally. This year we have had a good competition and we hope next season will be better,” Nairobi Water coach Jack Ochieng said.

“I will not recruit more players as we have a good side and want to give each of the current players all the chances to play.”