Desert Scorpions unleash the sting to bolster survival chances

Desert Scorpions boosted their chances of retaining their Kenya Handball Federation Men’s Premier League status after securing two crucial victories over the weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Scorpions stung University of Eldoret (UOE) Pipers 41-23 before edging Kenyatta University 27-26 at Nyayo National Stadium. National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Men continue to lead the standings with 35 points, while Desert Scorpions sit 11th on eight points, level with 10th-placed Daystar Falcons as the race for survival intensifies.

With only three matches remaining, the results have provided a timely lift for the Scorpions, who have spent much of the season battling relegation threats.

Head coach Martin Abunde said the victories have strengthened the team’s belief that survival is within reach.

“The two wins have put us in a better position to climb out of the relegation zone as now we have tied points with the team above us. They are higher a bit with a goal difference, but their remaining matches are tough. We also have other tough games, but hopefully we’re counting the points.”

While pleased with the weekend’s results, Abunde believes there is still work to be done, particularly in defence.

“We’ll train more on our defence because goal difference is affected when the defence is weak. Even when you win, you can find the opponents have scored many goals. We also want to improve our execution and reduce punishments during matches.”

The players are equally aware of the importance of every point at this stage of the campaign.

Robin Mosomi, who scored four goals in the victory over Kenyatta University, said the threat of relegation has pushed the team to raise its level.

“The game has been hard because we are fighting to stay in the Premier League. We’ve been working for it and that’s why we’ve won. Now we’re working on beating the teams we have left in our upcoming matches.”

Mosomi also praised top scorer Benson Mutinda, whose 10 goals against KU played a key role in securing the win.

For teammate Steven Wanyama, the recent results are a reward for the effort the squad has put in behind the scenes.

“We’ve prepared for long so that we survive relegation. We’re very happy because we got all four points this weekend and that has elevated us.”

Despite the positive momentum, Desert Scorpions face a challenging run-in, with fixtures against Kisiwa National Polytechnic, GSU and Equity still ahead.

However, after collecting maximum points from their latest two outings, the Scorpions have put themselves in a stronger position as they continue their fight to remain in the top flight.