Kenya teams dominate regional handball tourney

Kenyan teams National Cereals & Produce Board (NCPB) and Nairobi Water are the 2023 winners of the East and Central Africa Handball Club Championships after a week of intense action at Nyayo Stadium Handball Courts.

In the Men’s Final, Kenya’s NCPB survived a mighty scare but succeeded to hold on in their 34-32 win over Rwandese side Gicumbi. The duel was so tight and close to call that it ended 17-16 half-time in favor of the Kenyan team in the well-attended contest that witnessed lots of attack play fronted by both ends.

The flair and intensity of the game was captivating not to mention the challenges as well as nobody was willing to buckle. NCPB had the pair of William Malui and Timothy Kirimi combining for 15 of the total haul with another 10 field goals coming from the duo of Brian Wakhisa and Theodore Sangoro. The defending bit was also collective as the Gicumbi side were always roving around the danger areas. For the visiting side, Emmanuel Iradena converted eight times, assisted closely by Emmanuel Kybwimana on seven goals. Andrew Akakizu also ensured he was well represented in the scoresheet with a six-goal push in a game that the physicality and presence of the Rwandans was felt.

Meanwhile in the Ladies contest, it was an all Kenyan affair with defending league Champions Nairobi Water seeing off their long-time rivals NCPB 27-24 in a thrilling finale. Led by experienced skipper Gladys Chilo, the Water team showed composure and quality on either side of the halves with NCPB pushing on all fronts.

“It was a good game that we fought hard to win. We are grateful that after a week of hardwork and intense competition, we got the trophy,” said Chilo.