The curtains fall on the 2023/24 Kenya Handball Federation season with mouth-watering matches at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
Champions National Cereals and Produce Board and Nairobi Water Queens must shake off Kenya Defence Forces sides to retain their titles.
The two tacticians, Bryan Mathews and Nickson Oyaro, know what is at stake and will go guns blazing in this winner-takes-all show-stopper.
Mathews doesn’t have specific starters and will rely on all his players, utilising each depending on the situation.
“We know this is a long-awaited derby but we will still play our normal handball, tough defence and adventurous attack,” said Mathews.
“Our fans will be there to witness the game against Ulinzi and we will not let them down.”
Ulinzi coach Oyaro said they have polished areas of concern.
“We have prepared and are ready for our last matches (of the season). We have two games and will play each as it comes, with patience and mental readiness,” he said. “We hope for positive results.”
NCPB will rely on Robert Maraga, Morgan Simiyu, Snox Collins, William Malui, Timothy Kirimi and Nicholas Okore.
KDF’s main actors are Abel Weru, Kevin Imo, Gideon Kiprotich, Philip Isutswa and Nicholas Ireri.
The women’s crown will also be decided on the last day as leaders and champions Nairobi Water Queens take on Ulinzi Sharks.
Jack Ochieng’s charges, still unfazed despite tasting defeat — to Rangers — for the first time in 11 years, insist they are the team to beat.
“Tomorrow (Saturday) is the day. We are the team to beat. The title is ours to lose. We’re not ready to relinquish the title. It will be a battle as much as I respect them,” said Ochieng’.
Water Queens will rely on captain Gladys Chilo, Cecilia Katheu, Gail Eucabeth, Merina Andala and Melvin Akinyi as they push for a 13th consecutive title.
Sharks are led by Sarah Wasike, Sharon Mulei, Euphrasia Mukasia, Caren Lutengeya and Martha Lavender.
Fixtures
Mountain Queen v NCPB (W) (11 am)
Ulinzi Sharks v Nairobi Water Queens (W)
NCPB v Ulinzi (M)
