Nairobi Water Queens' coach Jack Ochieng has predicted a tough race this year and urged his charges to show their might if they are to retain their Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) league crown.

The long-serving tactician, however, tipped his two rivals National Cereals and Produce Board and Ulinzi Sharks to pose a threat to his long dominance as they have set an early tone and also recruited very well this year.

“This year, we expect a very stiff competition. My opponents have recruited very good players and we will have to be at our best to retain our crown. We will work very hard,” Ochieng noted.

He was speaking after the 10-time champions ravaged bottom-placed New Hope 43-7 in a league tie at Nyayo Stadium. They were up 18-3 at half-time and this marked their second victory after they beat Amazon 40-16.

Mitchelle Ariviza nailed seven goals, Brenda Musambai shot six, and Cecilia Katheu five while Jane Waithera, Gail Eucabeth, and Medina Andala each added four to the tally.

Timinah Barasa shot the losers five. “The girls had an easy game and I did not even use some of my experienced players in the game. I basically used my second team and the result is pleasing,” said Ochieng.

The two wins, their fifth successive hunt, pushed the champions to the top of the 12 teams with 10 points same as second-placed NCPB and Ulinzi Sharks who are third.

Water Queens are top by virtue of having tossed in 232 goals in their five games—one more than the Millers while the Soldiers have 225.

NCPB jumped to the top of the men’s league with 10 points after posting a 41-25 win over the Spartans.

Ulinzi, Equity Bank, and General Service Unit follow in that order. All the four giants, still unbeaten have played five games.