KHF Super Cup: Will Ulinzi end NCPB's handball dominance?

They have dominated the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's scene since 2018 when they won the pre-season Super Cup title and the league title last season. 

However, National Cereals and Produce Board's (NCPB) dominance will be put to the test on the weekend as the Danstun Eshikumo-led side face-off with Ulinzi Handball Club at Nyayo for the 2022 Super Cup title. 

KHF Super Cup: NCPB see off GSU to qualify for final

If their regular season and group stage meetings is anything to go by, the soldiers have their work cut out and the millers are well on their way to yet another title. 

However, this is the Super Cup, a different ball game. Anything is possible, anything can happen. Both teams are craving the win, if not for anything else, for the bragging rights. Their meetings are never quiet, and this one won't be the first to tone it down. 

"We have a target on our backs. Any team we meet is out to end our run and this final will be no different. Ulinzi are a strong side and we will have to be at our best if we are to win. Previous results do not matter at this point. 

We are out to defend the title. That comes with its fair share of pressure. However, the experience and depth on the bench is our go-to magic wand to maintain things calm and ensure we stick to our game plan," said NCPB skipper Timothy Kirimi. 

En route to the final, NCPB dispensed General Service Unit (GSU) 24-14 in the semis, having beaten Ulinzi 26-22 and won 31-22 against Black Mamba to get to the final unbeaten. 

KHF Super Cup: Ulinzi dispatch Strathmore to set up final date with NCPB

Ulinzi had a slightly different path, qualifying for the semi-final without winning a single match after the loss to the millers and a draw against Mamba. They made it through on a goal difference. 

In the semis, however, the Nixon Oyaro-coached soldiers survived a Strathmore University onslaught to make it to the final on a 24-18 hard-fought victory.