Tough test for Nanyuki Handball Club in Super Cup debut

Nanyuki Ladies have been thrown into the deep end but team manager Nancy Owaga says they are not about to drown. 

As the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) pre-season tournament, Super Cup, throws off on Saturday 12 March, the military side open action at Nyayo with a clash against record title holders Nairobi Water Queens. 

Nanyuki who made their debut in the league last season, whose action was cut short by Covid-19, made their second appearance, this season, count, finishing in fourth place to book a ticket to the Cup competition. 

"We have prepared well as we are starting off with a tough fixture against the champions. We are aware of our underdog tag against a team like Queens but that is not to mean we will let them off easily. We are ready to give them a run for their money," said Owaga. 

KHF Super Cup: K.U riding on underdog tag to cause upsets

In the regular league, Nanyuki won eight of their 14 matches, drew once and lost five for 17 points, one behind third-placed National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). Queens won the league unbeaten ahead of Ulinzi Sharks who lost two matches, both to Queens. 

"At the beginning of the season we were losing marches to the top teams, especially Queens by big margins of over 50 goals but in the return leg, we had reduced the differences to single digit. 

That is the same form we will carry to the Super Cup and the new season. While I am aware that winning against the holders will be an herculean task, we are not yet at their level, we will aim for a draw or the slightest of margins in any loss," added Owaga. 

The manager takes pride on having one of the youngest squads in the top four teams saying that in a few seasons, they will be a force to reckon with. 

On their part, Queens are looking to extend their winning streak, as they have been crowned champions since the Super Cup was introduced.

Under the tutelage of Jack Ochieng and boasting of an experienced squad, fresh from winning the league tutke and the East and Central Africa Handball Federation Senior Club Championships in Tanzania in December, Queens are the team to beat.