Ulinzi Sharks flying start has Coach Oyaro dreaming of three-peat

Ulinzi Sharks assistant coach Nixon Oyaro believes they have the ability to complete a three-peat in the Kenya Handball Federation women’s league this term.

This comes after a flying start to the season in which the soldiers stunned Kenyatta University 32-22 in the league’s opener on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium handball court in Nairobi.

The soldiers showed their intent earlier on with Martha Lavender and Dorothy Muchuma’s fast breaks giving them a 15-8 lead to the break. The second half produced a similar show with the reigning champions controlling the game and finishing off their dinner with a 10-goal win.

“We are happy for the win, it is crucial in our quest for completing a three-peat. We have to fight and ensure we don’t rest on our laurels,” Oyaro told Citizen Digital.

Martha Lavender, key to their title success last season, got off the mark on high, scoring an incredible 13 goals in the soldiers’ win.

The former St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale attacker has established herself in the team and has been key to their league dominance over the two seasons and Ulinzi will once again be banking on her scoring prowess for triumph this season.

And Oyaro did not shy away praising her brilliance and input in the team since she joined from St. Joseph’s Kitale in 2023.

“Lavender is in her own league and the good thing with her is that she’s willing to learn and grow. She has helped us a lot in the midfield and pivoting and she’ll grow into a world beater.”

Ulinzi Sharks ended Nairobi Water’s 10-year league dominance in 2023 and have won the league title twice and Saturday’s win was crucial to setting the tone for their title defence. They will however be aiming to ward off competition once again from bitter rivals Nairobi Water who saw off varsity side KU 31-25 on the same court.

“There will be stiff competition from Nairobi Water and National Cereals and Produce Board and winning our first match is crucial. It gives us early control and we now start working on remaining on top,” said Oyaro.

The reigning champions are still banking on their last season’s squad to lead them to the title charge having not made any signing during the summer transfer window.