Nairobi Water ready to roar in club championship
Volleyball and Handball
By
Rebecca Jebet
| Oct 19, 2016
The Kenya Handball Federation National Women League champions Nairobi Water coach Jack Sandan says his charges are ready for the 38th edition of the Africa Club Championship set for Burkina Faso from Friday.
Speaking at Nyayo Stadium yesterday morning while naming the final squad for championship, Sandan said they have prepared enough and they are ready to hit the stage.
The team has been pooled in Group B alongside defending champions Premero from Angola, Bandama from Ivory Coast and TKC from Cameroon, a group that Sandan describes as tricky.
Group A has Gap of Cameroon, HC Heritage from Democratic Republic of Congo, Aspac of Benin and AS Onea of Burkina Faso.
“We have been training for some time now and we are ready to go despite being pooled in a tough group.
“We have been at the continentals for some time now and I believe the girls have gained experience and had enough exposure.
“The last time we met against Premero, they defeated us by a difference of 14 goals but we will definitely reduce the number of goals this time round,” said Sandan.
Despite missing some key players such as Merina Andala, Cecilia Katheu, Jane Waithera and Tracy Awino who are all out on maternity leave, Sandan has beefed up his squad that sees experienced right winger Alexina Ambani and newly acquired German import Ann Vanessa featuring in the championship this year.
Sandan has also given Valarie Adhiambo her maiden appearance at the continental show-piece.
“Ambani will bring experience in the team considering that we are missing a couple of key players,” he said.
The team leaves for Burkina Faso Thursday night.
Meanwhile,the national league continues on Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium with six matches on the cards.
In the women’s category, Sparklers HC will face MKU Thika Campus with National Cereals and Produce Board hosting Kenya Defence Forces in another match.
In the men’s category, Strathmore will play Technical University of Kenya while MKU Thika will face St Paul’s University with KDF Youth facing JKUAT.
Traveling Squad: Winnie Miyenda, Modesta Auma, Eunice Oginga, Melvin Akinyi, Faith Mukhala, Gladys Chilo, Brenda Ariviza, Judy Augo, Magdaline Muthoni, Brenda Musambai, Elizabeth Kemei, Anna Vanessa, Mitchelle Adhiambo, Valarie Adhiambo, Alexina Ambani.