GSU's winning streak confidence boost as they eye podium
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 09.12.24. | 12:27
The league takes a sabbatical, paving way for regional action in Rwanda and the festivities, and is set to resume in January 2025
General Service Unit (GSU) men's handball team played four crucial matches on the weekend, winning all to remain perfect and keep their hopes for a podium place in the Kenya Handball Federation's (KHF) league alive.
Against Young City, the Gabriel Otwane-led side played for a dominant 42-21 show, Dominic Musau leading with six before switching venues from Nyayo Court to Kaloleni for an afternoon encounter against Moi Airbase (MAB) that they won 29-23, Solomon Tenge the hero this time as he dropped 8 goals.
The paramilitary side had a busy Sunday as well, taking the Hammers for their name in a 34-27 outcome, this time Philip Oscar and newbie Ismael Mubarak who joined the side this season from handball powerhouse Kimilili Secondary, leading charge with six and five goals, respectively.
Otwane's men were not done, going again against the Desert Scorpions, with coach-cum player Mark Barasa rising for nine goals to lead the side in a 40-34 victory, with Mubarak and Oscar proving crucial in the victory with seven goals apiece.
"We lost some key players in the lead-up to this season, and while their absence has been felt in some ways, the squad has capable players who have continued to give us good results," Otwane told Mozzart Sport. "We have also made several additions with some young signings and are confident once they fully gel with the rest of the squad and create that same chemistry we had, the team will be able to compete at the same level as the other top teams."
GSU, according to their general, are chasing an elusive podium finish in both the league and Super Cup with an improved show at the East and Central Africa Handball Federation (ECAHF) championship set for 14 to 23 December in Rwanda should they make the trip.
"Our management is set to make the confirmation on Monday, and should we travel for the competition, we will look to improve on our sixth-place finish last year," Otwane opened up.
The regional competition was held in Nairobi last year, with Kenya retaining the double, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) men, and Nairobi Water women retaining the titles.
"We picked a lot of experience playing in the 2023 edition, and that will go a long way in helping us achieve our target. We have been training in readiness for this opportunity, and our run in the national league has given us confidence that we are in a good place to face other teams in the region and improve on our placing last year. This will also be an opportunity to pick up more lessons that will help us in our domestic run," Otwane concluded.
The league takes a sabbatical, paving the way for regional action in Rwanda and the festivities. Set to resume in January 2025, this is the last season that the men's league will run on a round-robin format as the top 12 finishers create a top-tier league with the rest relegated to a newly created division two.
