Six teams to debut in handball league
What you need to know:
- The six teams include four men's teams, University of Nairobi (UoN), Nanyuki, Generation and Eldoret Pippers and two women's teams, Divas and Embakasi.
- The new season will also see the return of National Youth Service men's team and Kenyatta University men and women's clubs.
Six teams will debut in this year's Kenya Handball Federation National League which serves off Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium handball court.
The six teams include four men's teams, University of Nairobi (UoN), Nanyuki, Generation and Eldoret Pippers and two women's teams, Divas and Embakasi.
The new season will also see the return of National Youth Service men's team and Kenyatta University men and women's clubs.
The three last played in the league in the 2015 season.
Divas coach-cum-player Alexina Ambani is confident her side will cause upsets and give the league the much needed competition.
Ambani played for last season's runners-up Ulinzi before it was disbanded under unclear circumstances.
“I am glad and happy at the same time that the team will be part of the league. We have participated in some tournaments and performed well and so we are ready and psyched up ahead of the league,” said Ambani.
“Our team is drawn from the KDF and civilians. I believe we are a good side which will bring the much needed competition in the women’s league.”
Ambani guided her side to win the inaugural Makueni County open tournament after beating National Cereals and Produce Board 17-13 in the final at the Unoa Primary School, Makueni in February.
Nairobi Water coach Jack Ochieng, who has guided the water girls to back-to-back league titles, welcomed the new development but was quick to note it was not all about the quantity but quality.
Ochieng, who doubles up as the national women's team coach, however remained optimistic his side will defend the league and retain the East and Central Africa titles.
“Of concern is whether the new teams are worthy opponents. But we welcome them on board and wish them well. Our objective is to defend all the titles and hopefully improve on our performance in the Africa Club Championship,” said Ochieng.
UON begin their title hunt against regulars Black Mamba, Multi Media University battle National Youth Service as Mt Kenya University welcome Nanyuki in the men's league on Thursday.
In the only women's match of the day, MKU will be up against NYS.
