KDF and NCPB to battle for glory in Jamhuri Open

KDF's Valine Akoth, left, and Mourine Mmbone of Cereals Board during the National Handball League at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, May 29, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD/]

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) women’s handball team coach Nixon Oyaro says his side is gearing up for a perfect end to the year as the Jamhuri Open tournament starts today at Nyayo Stadium.

The military side has been on the rise this season finishing second in the Kenya Handball Federation national league behind champions Nairobi Water.

Oyaro who has played for the military men’s side for over 15 years, took charge of the team this year and he hopes to lift the Jamhuri title.

Nairobi Water is conspicuously missing from the tournament rooster and the big threat to KDF’s title hopes are National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

The teams have met three times this season with the military side posting two wins in the league while NCPB picked a win during the East and Central Africa Handball Club Championship in Nairobi last month.

With the win over KDF, NCPB finished second in the regional championship behind three-time champions Nairobi Water.

Apart from KDF and NCPB who have confirmed participation in the three-day tournament, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, 2nd Brigade and Sparklers HC will also be fighting for the title.

“The team has been on the rise from last season and our performance this season has been good considering that we lost to Nairobi Water with a margin of less than five goals.

“Jamhuri Open will be a good platform for us to finish the year on a high.

“The team has really worked well and I believe the hard work they have put in the league this season will yield fruits in this tournament,” said Oyaro who also features for the national men’s team.

The men’s category has attracted eight teams with three-time domestic champions KDF on the roster.

KDF will be seeking a fourth title this season after winning the EAC Military Games in Kigali on August, retaining the local league and bagging the regional title after waiting for 18 years.

KDF under the tutelage of Harold Mumbo will have to deal with arch rivals NCPB in pursuit of the title.

The military side lost only one match in the league this season and it was against NCPB.

“The form has been good this season and we are looking for a fourth trophy to end the year on a high. We have prepared well and we are ready for any challenge ahead of us,” said KDF team manager Sammy Mwangangi.

Other teams that will spice up the tournament include 2nd Brigade, Engineers Battalion, Strathmore University, 4th Brigade, UON and Kenyatta University.

After missing the regional championship, Strathmore University returns to action as they warn up for the East Africa University Games to be hosted at Kenyatta University from December 15-22.

KU and UON who pulled out of the national league this season will also be using this tournament as a warm up.