Nairobi Water head coach Jack Ochieng has admitted that they are facing injury challenges ahead of the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) pre-season Super Cup tournament.
"It's a bit of a tough situation for me as most of the players have picked injuries over some time. I'm a bit disadvantaged also as my key players are out for various reasons," he shared.
The team will be without left-back Susan Barasa who is bereaved; captain Gladys Chullo (unwell) and centre-back Mitchelle Odhiambo, who is recovering from a shoulder operation.
Despite these setbacks, Ochieng said he remains resolute. "We are here to defend our title, which is crucial for us. My target is to finish at the top and my game plan is to increase our defence mode," he added.
The Super Cup, starting on August 3, marks the beginning of a new handball league season.
The women's event will be played on a round-robin basis and will feature Ulinzi, Nairobi Water, Rangers and Cereals Board.
The tournament features the top six men's teams, divided into two groups of three each with the top two teams advancing to the semis.
In the men's competition, Cereals Board, Equity Bank HC and Strathmore University will form Pool 'A' while Pool 'B' will comprise defending Cup champions Ulinzi HC, General Service Unit and Black Mamba.
Ulinzi women's category sees league champions Ulinzi Sharks aiming to add the Cup title to their collection.
They face stiff competition from perennial winners and holders Nairobi Water, along with NCPB Women and Rangers Women.
Ulinzi led the women's ranking, followed by Nairobi Water, NCPB, and Rangers.
In the men's competition, Pool A is topped by Cereals Board, with Equity Bank in second and Strathmore University in third. Pool B is led by KDF (Ulinzi), followed by GSU and Black Mamba.
On August 3, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will face Strathmore University, while KDF will go up against Black Mamba. Ulinzi will play against Rangers, and Strathmore will compete with Equity Bank. General Service Unit (GSU) will then take on Black Mamba.
On August 4, KDF will battle GSU, and Equity Bank will face NCPB. Nairobi Water will go up against NCPB.
The semi-finals are scheduled for August 11, with the women's final and the men's final both taking place on the same day.
