Champions Nairobi Water Queens play National Cereals and Produce Board in a top-of-the-table Kenya Handball Federation league clash at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
Water Queens remain the only unbeaten side and are perched at the top of the table with maximum 18 points from nine games. The NCPB are second with the same number of points but have played a game more.
The millers’ coach Bryan Mathews promised the derby will see beautiful and entertaining handball. NCPB have lost once to another title contender, Ulinzi Sharks, who have 14 points from eight games.
“This game will be fire because Cereals are wounded and are going all out for a win. Our training has gone well. We are approaching the encounter with our heads held high. It’s a must win fixture,” said Water Queens tactician Jack Ochieng.
Mathews said the meeting between the two sides is always a derby full of beautiful entertaining handball.
“Water will be playing to defend their position while we will be planning for a win,” said Mathews.
“Every match is a final for us and my girls are upbeat and ready to play for each other. We are looking forward to the match which we xpect to be interesting and entertaining.”
Anthony Naburuck’s National Youth Service (NYS) teams will have their hands full as they have four matches on Saturday and two on Sunday in both categories.
Naburuck said he is working hard to shape both teams and is so far impressed with the girls, who have showed tremendous progress — winning three and drawing two of their 10 matches.
“The ladies are progressing well because they have a number of wins which usually motivates a team. I am getting to know my players based on their strengths and playing positions,” he said.
“There is still work to be done with the men’s team, whose momentum has been interrupted by injury to our key player. However, I am only expecting a win, to unlock the long-awaited results. I have a strong squad and expect good results.”
NYS women’s side play New Hope and Mountain Queens while the men’s team face Desert Scorpion and Young City. On Sunday the two teams meet Daystar University sides.
Meanwhile, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology women’s side confront Mountain Queens, Young City play Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Desert Scorpion face Jkuat while Tuk take on Strathmore University.
