Reigning champions National Cereals and Produce Board are out to finish their Kenya Handball Federation season on a clean slate, says coach Bryan Mathews.
The unbeaten millers, who are already assured of the title, have 34 points from 17 games with a game against second-placed Ulinzi ( 31 points) where a win will ensure a perfect season.
“Two points are still at stake. We want to get a good result to finish the season unbeaten,” said Mathews.
Ulinzi needed to beat Strathmore University on Sunday to harbour any hopes of denying Cereals. However, they could only manage a 23-23 draw thus handing NCPB a second successive crown.
NCPB team manager Boniface Macharia said despite being three points up with a match left there is still a lot to play for.
“We want to own the bragging rights between the two teams. We know they will come at us guns blazing, but we are ready for them,” he quipped.
Strathmore coach Peter Mwathi, who guided NCPB teams to several championships, said tactical discipline played a big role in the share of the spoils.
“It was a tough match and we had to force for a draw with three seconds to go,” he said. “We had to play two types of defensive systems three-three and man-marking in certain positions to keep Ulinzi at bay.”
Esthon Siruma scored seven goals and Nicholas Munyui shot six for Strath. Ulinzi had 10 from Noah Cheruiyot and six from Kevin Imo.
The draw ensured the students a slot in the Super Cup. They are fifth with 27 points and a game to play.
Women champions Nairobi Water Queens won their two weekend matches to move closer to a ninth title in a row.
Jack Ochieng’s unbeaten side blanked Rangers 33-22 and Net Navigators 40-22. They have 40 points from 20 matches.
The tactician heaped praise on Fridah Mikhala, who is emerging as a top star after pouring in 10 and seven goals in the two ties respectively.
Bungoma-based Rangers had a fruitful weekend, winning two of their final four matches to wind up in fourth place with 32 points.
“We are going back home happy at our performance throughout the year. Finishing fourth is a huge achievement. We will come back stronger next year,” said coach Reagan Makona.
Rangers eclipsed New Hope 50-17, drew 24-24 with Net Navigators but fell 33-22 to Weens and 32-25 to third-placed NCPB despite leading at the break.
