Kenya men’s senior handball head coach Peter Mwathi has named a 16-man squad set to depart for Rwanda tomorrow ahead of the 27th edition of the Men’s Senior Handball African Cup of Nations, scheduled for January 21–31.
Only seven players from the previous edition held in Egypt have been retained for the Rwanda tournament. They are Snox Collins, Julius Shiunda, Brian Wakuka, Ian Odhiambo, Teddy Sidai, Morgan Wamalwa, and Maxwell Munene.
Mwathi has assembled his squad from top Premier League clubs, including APR Rwanda, Rwanda Police, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Equity, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Strathmore University, and Kenyatta University.
The tactician believes the team is youthful, energetic, and well-prepared for the continental showpiece.
He remains optimistic about the squad’s chances despite Kenya being drawn in a challenging group alongside defending champions Tunisia, Guinea, and Cameroon.
Kenya will face Guinea for the second time following their previous encounter in Egypt, where Guinea edged the contest by three goals.
The coach, who is guiding the national team at the tournament for the second time, identified Tunisia as Kenya’s biggest challenge.
“Against Tunisia, we must focus on damage control. We need to be careful with the ball, maintain possession, and keep the scoreline manageable,” Mwathi said.
Mwathi has set his sights on finishing on the podium in the President’s Cup, which features teams ranked between ninth and 16th place.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers: Nicholas Nyongesa (General Service Unit), Ian Odhiambo (NCPB) and Teddy Sidai (Equity).
Left Wing: Joe Spring Onsando (Kenyatta University) and Chris Mayende (NCPB).
Right Wing: Morgan Wamalwa (NCPB) and Erick Nyamweya (NCPB).
Centre Back: Maxwell Munene (NCPB) and Julius Chiunda (APR).
Left Back: Snox Collins (NCPB) and Moses Odhiambo (Strathmore).
Right Back:
Imo Kevin (KDF), Radzi Stower (Rwanda Police)
Pivot:
Rio Wenslaus (NCPB), Brian Wakhuka (APR), William Malui (Equity)
