National silver medallists Mbooni Boys are eyeing the national Secondary Schools Sports Association handball title this year after bringing on board five newcomers.
Multi-title winning coach Gerald Juma Abunde enrolled the five form one boys from his Rangers Handball Club Academy based in Kimilili, Bungoma County to strengthen the outfit.
The school finished fifth at the 2019 East Africa School Games. The new blood in the team are centre back Kelvin Temba, wingers Calvin Busolo, Meshack Kasaine (captain), centre Timothy Qangila and goalkeeper Hamza Omar.
After moving from St. Luke's Boys High School Kimilili as a laboratory technician, the tactician guided Mbooni Boys to the national finals and he is optimistic that he will steer them to winning the 2020 title. They start their campaign in two weeks in Mbooni West Sub County Games.
"I have a formidable team this year and for some reason, I feel the crown is ours to bring to Makueni," intimated Abunde, who tutored St. Luke's Boys Kimilili to win nine national trophies and two East Africa School Games gongs.
However, Abunde notes that it will not be easy because there are many other teams eyeing to get to the nationals and they will give his side a challenge. He singles out three-time Eastern Region champions Nduluni and Yinthungu as rivals at the County level.
At the regional level, Abunde strongly feels Matuu Memorial, Kaluluini and teams from Meru and Kitui counties would be tough ones to crack. The tactician notes that he is sharpening his charges for the task ahead.
"So many teams want to go to the nationals and they are preparing for their best. Consequently, I have my work cut out if we are to get to the nationals and battle for the top honours," said Abunde.
The teenagers hit the road running in their preparation for School Games and when the school team was entered in the Kenya Handball Federation national league as Makueni Bees a fortnight ago, they took on regulars head-on.
Getting started on the league's second leg, the team has played eight matches (in two weekends) and have won three, drawn one and lost four to sit in position 19 with seven points.
Abunde is particularly proud of the lads in their display against Generations and General Service Unit where they drew 13-13 (play in the rains) and won 24-21 respectively.
"I am very happy with their performances. They are coping with the 'big boys' level, they are displaying character and their results are impressive... I mean, we are losing with a margin of two to five goals," continued Abunde who also coaches league side Rangers HC.
Currently, Rangers are jointly top of the league with Strathmore University and Black Mamba on 24 points off 14 duels.
