Kenya crush Burundi in Handball Challenge Trophy

MKU Eldoret's Zipporah Auma (left) and Moureen Mmbone of NCPB Cereals during Handball League at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, October 2, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Kenya men’s handball team picked their first win 38-21 in a group A match against Burundi as the International Handball Federation (IHF) Challenge Trophy Zone VB tournament entered the second day at Uganda Christian University Grounds in Mukono, Uganda.

Isaac Kololi scored eight goals with team mate David Odongo netting seven as Gerald Juma’s men outplayed Burundi to post their first points in the tournament.

Coach Juma praised his side saying it could propel them to the next round. “We are playing against Tanzania on Monday evening and winning our first match is a motivation. I believe Tanzania is a stronger side. The boys played their hearts out against Burundi match and I believe if we play the same way we played today, we will go a long way,” he said.

Juma believes this will be the first men’s side to qualify for the continental level but he has Rwanda and Uganda to contend with.

“With this performance I think we will be the first men’s team to make it to the continental championship because we have a good blend of players. Most players have picked experience from taking part in the secondary school games,” he said.

After registering a resounding 41-15 against Tanzania in their tournament opener, women’s coach Allan Mate said his charges are ready for their next match against Burundi set for today.

“I am happy the way we played in our opening match against Tanzania. I expected a win from that match but never expected to win with a huge margin. After Burundi match, we will have a clear picture if we are going to retain the title or not. I saw the way Burundi was training and they seem to be a good side but then we will have to rise up for the challenge,” he said.

Mate, however, considers hosts Uganda as the main threat.