Handball: Police tipped to retain league title after Heroes Cup triumph
Monday, February 04, 2019
Police handball club (in blue) have proved to be domestic heavyweights since winning their first league title in 2014. File.

Police handball club head coach Antoine Ntabanganyimana has tipped his side to retain the National Handball League title following their success at this year’s Heroes Cup.

The law enforcers reclaimed the title of the 2019 Heroes Cup handball tournament on Sunday after overcoming archrivals APR in a tightly contested 29-28 victory in the final in Gcumbi District.

In the build-up to the final, Police topped Group B after beating UR-Rukara Campus 32-17 and Nyakabanda 33-22 before seeing off the hosts Gicumbi 49-20 in the last four.

"They (players) played very well as champions and it’s that spirit coupled with team work that has continued to make us a successful team. We will carry the momentum in the new season, and aim to keep improving, in order to retain the league title,” said Ntabanganyimana.

On the other hand, APR reached the final after edging out ES Kigoma 41-29. Prior to the semi-finals, the military side had topped Group A after seeing off UR- Rwamagana campus 20-17, UR- Nyagatare 20-17 and an easy 24-5 win over UR- Huye campus.

Police are five-time champions.

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