Tough test for GSU in quest for Super Cup semis

General Service Unit (GSU) men’s handball side have a mountain to climb when they take on champions National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in their last Super Cup group match slated for Saturday 27 May.

The Joseph Okemwa-coached side play without four who were with the team in the just-concluded season, three of them having been key to the team’s qualification to the Cup competition.

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Mark Barasa has left the playing unit and assumed a management role, while former Buccaneers right back Radzi Stower has moved to Black Mamba. Fernwick Opicho will now suit up for Rangers in the coming season while youngster Dan Ngoni is tipped to be joining the Kimilili-based side as well.

In their Cup-opening fixture, the paramilitary side went head-to-head with Kaloleni-based Black Mamba, playing for a 17-all draw. The result leaves GSU in second place in a pool led by NCPB who won 31-24 against Mamba.

“Our defense was perfect but we gave many turnovers on attack and that allowed Mamba the chance to force a draw. Our match against the champions is crucial. We must win or pick a draw to guarantee ourselves a place in the semis,” Okemwa offered.

As fate would have it, Okemwa’s charges face the same NCPB that denied them a chance to reach the final in the last edition of the Super Cup when they were making their debut as the millers went on to lift the Cup.

“This is our toughest test in this competition. We have to be at our best as we know NCPB will come hard at us, keen not to drop any points. We are preparing for that as we are well aware of what is at stake,” the tactician added.

He has further downplayed the absence of the four players, arguing that he has the depth to survive their absence. He was, however, quick to acknowledge that they have been an integral part of his squad.

The match is slated for 9am paving way for a clash between Ulinzi HC and Strathmore HC to determine who proceeds to the semis as the top seed in pool B as both sides already qualified for the semis after beating Kenyatta University last weekend.

Semi final clashes are scheduled for 2 and 3.30 pm respectively. The final will be played on Sunday 28 May from 3.30 pm. 

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