Nairobi Water seek to regain handball stranglehold

Nairobi Water relinquished their ten-year grip on handball to Ulinzi Sharks last season but Ochieng is ringing the war bells to his opponents.

The Soldiers ended Nairobi Water’s reign after pulling an incredible comeback to stun them 29-26 in a mouth-watering climactic finale.

They currently lead the log with 22 points, two ahead of Ulinzi Sharks who have a game in hand.

Daystar and NCPB sit third and fourth on 20 points and 17 points respectively.

Ochieng is aware Sharks are the likeliest rivals that stand between them and the record-extending 11th title.

“The season has been amazing so far. We have won all the matches we have played so far and we have three finals to go. The three teams remaining are the toughest but we have to win or reclaim our title,” he said.

The tactician is keen to avoid last season’s mistake although he rued injuries for their stumble.

“We are doing everything to make sure we have the title back. We had injuries and we still have them and you know when your key players are missing you have to find another way out.”

And although Nairobi Water has some players nursing injuries, Ochieng stated that they will go guns blazing to reign supreme and will not underrate any team.

The Water Queens, who remain unbeaten, will be meeting varsity side Daystar on Saturday with Ochieng confident of winning.

“Daystar is a top side but we just want to win that game. I know we will collect maximum points.”

After the weekend’s clash with Daystar, Ochieng-led charges will face National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and Ulinzi Sharks respectively in their final matches.