KU bank on depth and transition as Osano eyes Super Cup slot

Kenyatta University women's handball head coach Robert Osano/ HANDOUT

Kenyatta University women’s handball head coach Robert Osano is backing his side’s depth and improved transition play to navigate a demanding holiday weekend double-header.

Osano believes they have the upper hand heading into matches against record champions NCPB and rivals JKUAT. 

Maximum points will push them into contention for a maiden Super Cup appearance.

“We are just two points shy of the Super Cup places (top three), which I am sure we will make it this weekend,” Osano said.

Osano pointed to the team’s evolution this season, noting sharper transitions and overall squad quality as key heading into the fixtures.

“We believe in ourselves. My team has good transition, we are much better this season and my girls are now quicker. They are good players, which gives us an upper hand heading into the weekend,” he added.

However, the tactician admitted that injuries could influence his rotations, revealing that captain Barbara Achieng’ and centre back Jenef Asef are among players being managed.

“We have a few injuries, but we are working around them and preparing the team to compete,” he said.

Osano acknowledged the pedigree of NCPB while striking a measured tone on JKUAT.

“JKUAT don’t give us shivers, but we are not underestimating them. Our role is to hone our skills and execute our game,” he noted.

He underlined a focus on internal standards rather than opposition.

Osano gets encouraged following performances by the men’s team, who have been competitive in the National League and regularly featuring in Super Cup tournaments.

In addition, the women’s side has maintained strong performances in Kenya University Sports Association playoffs, collecting medals across regional and national competitions.

KHF Premier League fixtures

Venue: Nyayo Stadium

Friday

Women

12:00 — NCPB vs KU

Men

9 am — Desert Scorpions vs Strathmore

10:30 am — Equity vs Kisiwa

1:30 pm — Black Mamba vs UOE Pippers

3:00 pm — NCPB vs Lions

4:30 pm — KU vs GSU

Saturday

Women

10:30 am — JKUAT vs Desert Scorpion

3 pm — JKUAT vs KU

Men

9 am  — UOE Pippers vs NCPB

12 pm — Ulinzi vs Strathmore

1:30 pm — Black Mamba vs Kisiwa

4:30 pm — Equity vs KU

Sunday

Women

3 pm — Amazon vs JKUAT

Men

9 am — Kisiwa vs GSU

10:30 am — UOE Pippers vs Ulinzi

12 pm — Equity vs Desert Scorpions

1:30 pm — Strathmore vs Lions

4:30 pm — Black Mamba vs GSU