NCPB eye men's handball league title defense

National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) head coach Bryan Matthews says he is unfazed by the stiff competition posed by rivals Equity and Ulinzi as the men’s handball league enters homestretch.

The former Kenyan international says their main focus is defending their title, and they are mentally prepared for the task.

NCPB maintained their unbeaten run on Sunday as they put Young City to the sword, beating them 31-13, with attacker William Malui netting being at the epicenter of Young City’s rout with an impressive six goals.

“My boys are mentally prepared to fight for the title. I hope everyone can stay injury-free as the season enters its climax,” Matthews told Citizen Digital.

He added, “We have to ensure we maintain the winning momentum. Leading the league is easy, but retaining the top position until the end is the hardest job. We will do everything to retain our title.”

The title holders have their work cut out in their five remaining fixtures as Equity and Ulinzi, also title contenders, await them in their final fixtures.

They will, however, play MAB and Black Mamba over the weekend before heading into their most crucial encounters of the season.

However, Mathews is optimistic his charges will reign supreme in the two clashes, which would decide the league winner.

“We normally do not focus on what the opponent is doing, but rather how we can improve our players and win every game no matter the intensity it holds.

“We have the best players and we are confident they’ll finish the dinner,” added Matthews.

He has, however, praised the competition within the league this season, noting that the competition makes even the top teams better.

NCPB drew against Equity in last year’s encounter and needed extra play to get past Ulinzi in the title-deciding final clash.

The Cereals, who have played a game less, currently sit third on 34 points, level with Ulinzi but two behind leaders Equity.