CHASING TITLE DEFENCE: Nairobi Water ready for East and Central handball challenge

Nairobi Water's Judith Augo train at Gymnisium, Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

National women’s handball champions Nairobi Water will seek to defend the East and Central Africa Club Championships title when the tournament starts tomorrow at Nyayo Stadium.

The Kenyan girls, who have been in a top form in the last four years, have won the regional title two times and team manager Caroline Kusa believes they will make it three wins in succession.

Kusa added that the side has what it takes to achieve their goal and they will rely on the experience they got from Africa Club Championship in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso where they finished fifth.

For a side that debuted in continental handball just four years ago, this was their best performance ever.

“We resumed training last week and preparations have gone well, even though players are a bit worn out. We have been in constant competition without a break. We will defend the title we won last year in Rwanda,” she said.

Kusa has singled out Heritage from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as their main threat.

“Heritage is a good side. They defeated us last year during the continental championships in Nador Morocco, but the exposure we got from Burkina Faso will help us put up a good fight.

“Our defence has also improved over the numerous matches we have taken part in. If we maintain the same form, then we will be safe.”

The official, however, said they will give four players, who did not travel to Burkina Faso, a chance during the regional tournament.

The four are Valentine Awour, Sharon Kisengi, Mary Nyanchanchu and Rose Abondo. The team has been training at Nyayo Stadium ahead of the championships.

Meanwhile, Black Mamba, who finished second last year, have intensified training at Kaloleni ahead of the East and Central championships.

Other Kenyan clubs that will take part in the tournament include national men's defending champions Kenya Defence Forces and National Cereals and Produce Board, while in the women’s category, Nairobi Water will welcome KDF and NCPB to the party.