Former women’s league champions Nairobi Water are set for a high-stakes encounter against reigning title holders Ulinzi Sharks, while men’s champions National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) take on Ulinzi in two much-anticipated fixtures on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium handball court.
The Water Queens will be seeking revenge against the Soldiers, who convincingly defeated them last season to claim their maiden league title.
However, Nairobi Water will be without key players, including captain Gladys Chilo and Jane Waithera—both on maternity leave—while Michelle Adhiambo remains sidelined due to injury.
Both women’s teams are unbeaten this season. Nairobi Water sit atop the standings with 26 points, though they’ve played two more matches than second-placed Ulinzi Sharks, who trail by four points with 22.
In the men’s league, NCPB head coach Bryan Matthews is aiming to notch a vital win over Ulinzi as his side continues their title defence.
Matthews is aware of the stakes, with another crucial clash against fellow title contenders Equity looming in the final match of the season.
Last season, NCPB edged Ulinzi 30–25 in a tense contest that required extra time, and the champions know the Soldiers remain a formidable threat.
Cereals currently lead the men’s standings with 44 points, holding a narrow two-point advantage over Equity, who have a game in hand. Ulinzi sit third with 38 points from 20 matches.