For the past two seasons, the Kenya Deaf Men’s Handball team has been competing against the hearing sides in the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) Men’s National League.
Against the odds, they have managed to pull off several impressive victories, finishing 20th out of 25 teams in the last campaign.
That spirited performance, coupled with the players’ experience and familiarity has fuelled confidence in coach Jack Habert for a strong showing at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics set for November 15 to 26.
“Out of 25 teams (in the KHF Men’s National League) we were number 20 so I can say that we played better,” said the Kenya Deaf Men’s Handball team coach Jack Habert.
“We were good because the able team is more advantaged than us, they can hear the whistle, unlike us. I can say that if we can win some matches against the hearing sides then we are better,” he added.
At the Tokyo Deaflympics, Kenya will be making its second appearance in men’s handball, having finished sixth in their debut campaign in Caxias Do Sul, Brazil in 2022.
The team has been drawn in Group “B” alongside Croatia, Serbia and France while Group “A” consists of Japan, Germany, Turkey and Brazil.
Acknowledging the strength of all their group opponents, the Kenyan squad of 18 players has intensified its preparations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Only five players are new in the team.
“The teams playing at the Deaflympics level are fewer so I can say that they are the best in the World, including our team. The only reinforcement I have done in the team is to instil new blood, just about five young players but it is composed of the old guards, who have played for a long time and they know each other. This is why I am telling you I have confidence in this team, because they know one another. They have the chemistry of play,” said the coach.
Kenya qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics by virtue of being the African champions. Habert said they have shifted focus to making the team more aggressive. On his part, Kenya’s captain Joel Kiilu is brimming with confidence.
“We have observed how our opponents play,” said Kiilu. “In World Deaf Handball Championships held in Brazil and the Deaflympics, our team performed well and we picked a lot of lessons. We have really improved in our attack and generally our game. We are going to the Deaflympics a better side, so I’m sure there is a medal coming home with us,” he added. Kenya will also compete in athletics, swimming, women’s basketball, and golf.
