Local Clubs Eye Netball Title

By Rebecca Gichana

Six countries will take part in the East and Central Africa Netball Senior Club Championships, which commences today at the Nyayo National Stadium Handball Gymnasium.

Namibia, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Ghana, Uganda and hosts Kenya are expected to parade their best sides for the seven day championships.

Kenya Netball Federation Secretary General Lilian Anupi said financial constraints have contributed to the late confirmations of clubs taking part in the regional event.

 “Federations were unable to release names of the teams early because of financial constraints. I am happy to say some countries have already sent their representatives for the event,” said the official.

 “Local clubs Prisons and MOIC are the men’s and women’s Africa Club defending champions and this will act as a motivating factor during the championship. I am sure Kenyan teams will register great results since we have the home advantage. I urge home supporters to come in large numbers to support the home teams,” added Anupi.

Kenya will be represented by last year’s runner’s up Ministry of Information Communication and Technology (MOIC), Ulinzi, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya Bureau of Standards  (KEBS) and Kenya Ports Authority  (KPA) in the women’s category.

Uganda will have National Insurance Corporation (NIC), Uganda Prisons and Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Kikosi Cha Valantia Zanzibar (KVZ) will represent Zanzibar while New Diamond Hands (NDH) will represent Ghana. There will also be Awisa Netball of Namibia in the women’s category.

 Prisons Kenya will be defending the title they won last year in Uganda with Ganec and Kenyatta National Hospital clubs also representing Kenya.

 Jeshi  La Kujenga Uchumi (Zanzibar), Police from Tanzania, Takoradi Club Stars (TCS) from Ghana, Uganda Prisons and Kampala University from Uganda are other clubs taking part in the Championship.

Lack of funds has however, locked out Eldoret Stima, Nyeri Stima and Western Stima. The trio had qualified but won’t be involved in the regional championships.