Rwanda Police ready to defend regional title

East and Central men's handball defending champions Rwanda Police are in town ready to defend their title.

The team's assistant coach Alphonse Edahemuka said his charges will not relent until they retain the title during this year's championships at Nyayo Stadium.

The team jetted in on Friday evening for the regional tournament. Edahemuka warned his opponents -- saying his side will not be under pressure because they have prepared well.

"We came earlier because we want to have time to rest before the championships. We have seen the environment and we hope it will not affect us. We have prepared well and we are ready to defend our title," he said.

Police defeated Kenya's Black Mamba in last year's final in Kigali, Rwanda, but Edahemuka said his side is stronger since then.

"It has been raining here and I am worried the open court at Nyayo Stadium might be slippery. With the rains, I think the organisers should shift the matches to the indoor arena at Kasarani Stadium," he said.

Edahemuka's side will have to work extra hard to retain their title. Kenyan clubs include Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and Black Mamba. Other men's teams that are expected include Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa from Tanzania, Prisons of Uganda and Police from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Draws for the matches will be out today.