Nabeki, Luyari lead St Paul’s to victory as Hospital Hill soar
Solomon Nabeki and Gibson Luyari starred for St Paul’s University (SPU) as the varsity side picked their first Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men’s league win against Thika.
The two scored 15 and 10 goals respectively while Derick Olwa added eight to the tally for a 40-28 win. Kenneth Kosgei and Khalif Hussein scored for the opponent at nine and six goals, respectively in the loss.
SPU led by one goal, at18-17, in a tightly contested first half but came back stronger in the second half to score 22 goals while holding Thika to 11goals in that half for the 12 goals win.
“We had intense preparations ahead of the league after a long layoff and that has paid off in the first match.
We had a slow start and our confidence was wanting in the first half. However, the experience of Luyari came in play in the last half and he pushed us to that win, “ said SPU team captain Billy Makhety.
The team lost six key players ahead of the new season. Donald Indago joined Kenyatta University, Gideon Mulwa went to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) while Brian Mombo decamped to former champions Black Mamba. Three others Edwin Nyaga, Edgar Ngoya and Victor Songo reman teamless.
“The exit of those six players has affected the quaility of our squad but we had to find repacements and so far they are showing alot of potential in training.
They also did well in Sunday’s match. We are eyeing a top six finish after a dismal show last season,” added Makhety.
The side has enlisted the services of former Chavakaki School shot stopper Edwin Luta who debuted for the team on Sunday as well as centre player Lewis Muturi. David Wariri and Wyciff Onchiri also join the side as wingers.
In other matches, Hospital Hill’s Inspired Boys continued their fairy tale in the men’s league as they stunned Technical University of Kenya(TUK)to pick a 17-13 win in their Sunday match.
This was Inspired Boys’ fourth win having subjected new entrants Kaluluini to a 42-19 loss.
Amos Okwako was the star in both matches as he top scored at ten and six goals for the high school students in the Saturday and Sunday matches.
