Target Africa title: Water Queens in Tunisia for Continental handball campaign

The Nairobi Water Queens handball club left the country yesterday morning for the 36th African Clubs championship that kicks off today in Tunisia.

The Kenyan champions will start their campaign against Etoile club from the Democratic Republic of Congo today morning before taking on Angola’s champions Premero De Agosto club in their second match of the championship.

The Angolan side has graced the finals in the recent three editions together with compatriots Petro Athletico, who have dominated the continental championship for a very long time.

This will be a tough match for Nairobi Water Queens considering the fact that Premero emerged the champions of Angola this season, and they will be using the advantage against their opponents.

Speaking to Feverpitch on Tuesday evening, head coach Jack Sandan said he knows the calibre of challenge that awaits him, adding that the team has shown maturity after competing in the previous editions.

“These are the best clubs in the continent but we are not afraid of them. If we convincingly win one match in our pool, we will definitely be in the quarterfinals. We want to take one match at a time,” said the former national team player.

group reshuffle

Since the late withdrawal of TKCY of Cameroon and US Nouasser of Morocco from the championship, Progreso of Angola was moved to group B.

Group A comprise all-time defending champions Petro Athletico of Angola, Africa Sport from Ivory Coast, FAP of Cameroon, HC Nuru and Mikishi, both of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The inclusion of two key players in the team, Brenda Aliviza and Alice Olwande will boost the squad. We do not have any other choice but record just one win match in the championship,” added Sandan.

This will be the third time the local Queens are taking part in the continental championship after managing position nine in the previous editions.

local representation

At the same time Charles Omondi, Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) fixtures secretary has been nominated by Confederation of African Handball body (CAHB) as a member of the nomination commission of the championship.

There will be eight technical delegates in Tunis for the championships, alongside 12 referee and 24 clubs - 12 men and 12 women. Host club Esperance de Tunis said all arranhements for the competition are complete and they expect a good championship. African Handball Confederation said that all the top club from the continent are ready for the championship, where the winner of the tournament will qualify for the International Handball Federation (IHF) Super Globe.

Squad: Winnie Miyenda, Eunice Oginga, Judith Augo, Tracy Awino, Mitchell Adhiambo, Brenda Musambai, Magdalene Muthoni, Gladys Chilo, Faith Mukhala, Merina Andala, Melvin Akinyi, Jane Waithera, Lilian Akello, Brenda Aliviza, Alice Olwande. Officials - Jack Sandan (head coach), Thodosia Sangoro (asst coach), Caroline Kusa (Team manager), Henry Oketch (team doctor)

— rgichana@standardmedia.co.ke