Strathmore to target hockey league title
Strathmore Scorpions coach Meshack Senge expects his charges to exhibit great character as they fight for the league title against record champions Blazers in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League.
Strathmore remain unbeaten with 15 points from five matches, two points ahead of defending champions Blazers who have played a match more.
The former men’s national team coach is banking on the Scorpions’ hunger to be the best team in the country even though they are in transition.
“Every game is important and we are taking a game at a time. We have already beaten Blazers this season, something that never happened in a long time, if that is not motivation, I don’t know what else the ladies need,” said Senge, who has been with Strathmore for a decade.
“We want to be the best team. 90 per cent of my players are playing in the league for the first time but we won’t be gullible.
“We know teams like Blazers are an accomplished side with talented players but we will put our best foot forward,” said Senge.
“We are in a position to control results and put a foothold on the standings,” added Senge.
On Sunday, Grace Bwire scored the lone goal as leaders Scorpions defeated hosts Lakers 1-0 in a women’s Kenya Hockey Union Premier League match at the Sikh Union Club in Kisumu.
It was sweet revenge for the students who had lost to the vibrant Lakers 3-2 before they played to a 1-1 last season.
Switched allegiance
Bwire, who was previously attached to MultiMedia University switched allegiance from champions Blazers to Strathmore a fortnight ago.
Scorpions captain Gilly Okumu said the scoreline would have been better if they had converted their many chances.
“The fact that we had to score in the last quarter shows that something is lacking in our attack. We have no choice but to sharpen that department.
“That said, we are grateful for the three points and we are optimistic better things are still in store for us,” said Okumu, who is also the national team captain.
In Nairobi’s City Park Stadium, defending champions Blazers beat Amira Sailors 1-0 to close in on rivals Strathmore.
Veteran defender Terry Masibo converted a penalty corner in the fifth minute.
On Saturday Blazers defeated Dutch Flower Group Wolverines 3-0 at the City Park Stadium. Blazers are second with 13 points from six matches, two points behind leaders Strathmore.
United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans, who were not in action over the weekend, complete the top three position with seven points from three matches.
