Ulinzi, Strathmore face-off in handball tourney
Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) Nicholas Ireri (left) takes a shot against Rwanda Police's Felix Mukunzi during their East and Central Africa Handball Club Championship on November 26, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium.
What you need to know:
- The tournament usually ushers in the new season.
- The tournament will bring together six teams from the men’s league and top four in the women’s competition.
The league is expected to kick off on April 1.
This season’s Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) Super Cup tournament will be held on March 18 and 19 at the Nyayo National Stadium handball court.
The tournament, which usually ushers in the new season, will bring together six teams from the men’s league and top four in the women’s competition.
The league is expected to kick off on April 1.
Holders Ulinzi have been placed in Pool A and will open their title defence against Strathmore University on March 18 before they face Black Mamba in their last pool encounter.
Ulinzi, who are also the reigning men’s league champions, will be favourites to retain the gong. Ulinzi beat rivals National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) 24-22 in last year’s final.
The soldiers have since appointed Nixon Oyaro as the new coach and the tactician is well aware of the task at hand.
“This is a great team and I want to keep the winning mentality going. Other teams will be coming for our title but we are up to the task,” Oyaro told Nation Sport.
NCPB headline Pool B and will open their account against Mount Kenya University (MKU)- Thika before they take on Ulinzi Youth in their last pool encounter. NCPB team manager Sammy Mwangangi remains optimistic of a good season.
“We want to win titles this year and believe we have the ammunition to have a successful season,” he said.
The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals with the winners playing in the final on Sunday, March 19.
In the women’s competition, champions Nairobi Water will play MKU Thika as NCPB play Ulinzi. The winners will then play in the final.
Water coach Jack Ochieng is eyeing another successful season after a stellar 2016 in which they retained their national and regional titles.
“We are waiting for the new season and the Super Cup presents us with the chance of gauging our team and see where we need to improve,” the tactician added.
KHF Fixtures Secretary Charles Omondi said this season’s fixtures will be released on March 24 to allow teams plan their season.
