• Navigators have already played last year’s runners-up Ulinzi Sharks losing 36-24 and it is this result that gives them the drive going forward.
• “I believe in my girls and we can get either a win or two against them over the two legs,” Ochieng observed.
Self-supporting Net Navigators are determined to shake top teams in the Kenya Handball Federation women’s league in search of a top-four finish, coach Randy Ochieng has said.
Ochieng said the debutants are ready to make an impact once the league resumes next week at Nyayo Stadium.
The tactician said the team’s focus is to battle for a top-four finish in only their maiden season.
Navigators have already played last year’s runners-up Ulinzi Sharks losing 36-24 and it is this result that gives them the drive going forward.
“We lost to Ulinzi by 12 goals and beat Amazon and Nairobi City County teams,” Ochieng noted. “I know Nairobi Water (champions) are good and fast but we will give our best against them.”
He remains convinced that he can also get a result against third-placed National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) side.
“I believe in my girls and we can get either a win or two against them over the two legs,” he observed.
Navigators are currently fourth on the 10-team log behind leaders Water, NCPB and Sharks.
The team has players based in Nairobi, Kakamega and Kisumu, which Ochieng said is a huge challenge since they have to train seperately before converging for games.
“Some of our players are students, so we encourage them to train wherever they are,” said Ochieng. “Once the fixture is released, they travel to Nairobi by Wednesday and we train together at Kaloleni.”
Meanwhile, Ochieng has revealed the difficulties they experience running the team without sponsorships.
“It’s very tough. We are trying to get a sponsor to support these girls, who come from far and wide,” said Ochieng.
The technical arm that is shaping the team includes former international Alexina Ambani and Elizabeth Mutua.