Buccaneers train their guns on Strathmore as KHF league enters round eight

Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's league leaders Strathmore University face Buccaneers on Saturday 31 July as the varsity side look to extend their unbeaten run as well as firm their grip at the helm. 

Strathmore are coming off a laboured 29-20 win against school boys, Inspired for their seventh consecutive win while Buccaneers lost their last match, two weekends ago, 23-21 to second-placed Ulinzi HC, for their second defeat in four matches. 

"We know that Strathmore plays a fast game. Quick starts after they concede are a key element of their play. To counter that, we have been training on our speed and endurance and then used the last three days of training to focus on the ball works. Strathmore also has strong back-court players so our defence will need to be good," said Buccaneers' skipper Franicks Njoroge. 

The varsity side, General Service Unit (GSU) and Rangers HC are the only teams yet to test defeat of the 16 that have already played their opening matches. Strathmore's defensive game is also evident from the standings as they have conceded the least number of goals, at 123 compared to any other team that has played more than four matches. National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) come close at 124 but having played one matchless. 

"On our attack, we have several attack systems, we have polished up ahead of the clash. The experience in our squad will go a long way in helping us handle Strathmore. One of our centre backs has been a key player for Strathmore for a valuable time. Not so much has changed in terms of their style of play. We know exactly what to expect of them. We expect to be at an advantage because of the knowledge we now have about the opponent because of him. We plan to exploit it as much as possible," added Njoroge. 

Strathmore tactician, Mwathi, on his part says the team will stick to playing their game adding that they are not under pressure to stop their former player. 

"Ken is a smart player, a quick thinker and good on the ball. That said if we play our defence right, cut Buccaneers' ball supply to the left and right backs we will be safe. They are a good side. We played them in the 2019/20 season before it was cancelled due to Covid-19 and they pushed us but in the end, our game plan worked. We intend to do the same," Mwathi offered. 

In other men's league matches, Rangers HC will be on the court twice today, first against Generation and then later in the day against Boomarang in their third and fourth matches of the season. Thika take on holders NCPB in another match. 

Meanwhile, the women's league will be a Rangers Women show as they start the day off at 9 am against Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) before playing defending champions Water Queens later in the afternoon.