Queens coach Ochieng keen to reclaim the league title they lost last year

Nairobi Water Queens have opened the new season with renewed purpose and a clear mission: to reclaim their place at the top of Kenyan women’s handball after surrendering their long-held dominance last year.

Nairobi Water Queens coach, Jack Ochieng, said that despite injuries to a few key players, the team remains focused and committed to approaching every match with intensity and treating each fixture as vital to their title ambitions.

The Queens have shown their purpose with commanding performances, including a 47–12 win over Amazon Women, a 46–9 victory against NYS Women and a hard-fought 31–25 triumph over Kenyatta University (KU) Women.

Their strong start suggests a sharpened attack and a reinforced defence.

The veteran coach acknowledges the weight of expectation after last season’s narrow miss that ended their decade-long grip on the title, but believes his squad is responding positively to the pressure.

Training has centred on improving cohesion and finishing, with Ochieng urging his players to carry their early momentum into the rest of the season.

He noted growing fan confidence in a team that blends experience with emerging talent.

While Nairobi Water seek to regain their footing, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Women have emphatically opened the campaign, remaining unbeaten in their first five matches.

Under Bryan Mathews, the Cereals have produced dominant results, including a 42–23 dismantling of NYS Women and a 57–28 rout of Kisiwa Polytechnic, underlining both their attacking depth and defensive discipline.

Mathews said the squad — a mix of seasoned players and promising youthful additions — has gelled well, creating the balance needed to challenge long-standing rivals such as Ulinzi Sharks and Nairobi Water.

The former Kenyan international added that the team is correcting past mistakes and embracing a strict winning mentality.

“We are committed to each fixture and will not allow lapses that could threaten our title ambitions,” he said.

NCPB currently lead the standings on ten points after five games, level with Ulinzi Sharks but ahead on goal difference.

Record champions Nairobi Water sit third with six points from three matches.

The stage is set for a fierce battle, with Nairobi Water chasing consistency and a return to form, NCPB aiming to extend their perfect start, and Ulinzi Sharks determined to stay in the hunt for another title challenge.

The upcoming fixtures promise intense competition as fans watch to see whether NCPB can preserve their unbeaten run, Nairobi Water can reclaim their former dominance, and Ulinzi Sharks can reassert themselves in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.