The University of Nairobi (UoN) and Kenyatta University will face off on Saturday in search of their first win of the season in the Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League at City Park Hockey Stadium, Nairobi.
Both teams were promoted to the Premier League this season after finishing in the top two of the Super League last year. Unfortunately, both sides have had a poor start to the season.
KU lost 1-0 to Dutch Flower Group (DFG) Wolverines, while UoN lost their two opening matches against defending champions Strathmore University (2-0) and United States International University-Africa (1-0).
UoN coach Clayson Luvanda acknowledges that it is a challenging start but remains positive that they will turn things around.
“We were expecting to face experienced teams in the top tier. The losses have helped us identify areas that require improvement, such as our finishing and defense.
Our first-choice goalkeeper Quinter Okore is now available for selection after recovering from a knee injury she sustained during the last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and therefore we are set,” said Luvanda.
KU coach Richard Wandera predicts a tough match as both sides are desperate for a win. “It’s a derby. Both teams are in search of a win, which will make the match tough but interesting at the same time.
I hope my forwards will be clinical in front of the goal after we failed to utilize our chances in our first game,” said Wandera.
In the men’s Premier League, Greensharks and Sikh Union Club will also be searching for their first win. Sikh, who have lost their opening two matches, were promoted to the Premier League this season from the Super League alongside Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) by emerging as the top two.
Sikh lost to Butali Sugar Warriors 3-1 and Sailors 3-2, while Sharks, who have been regulars in the top tier, lost to Police 2-1 and defending champions Butali 4-1.
In the women’s Super League, newcomers Twinkle will face Nakuru Ladies Team as they aim to continue their perfect start to the season.
Twinkle has recorded two wins against Sliders 2-1 and Black Tigress 2-0.
In the men’s second-tier league, Parkroad Badgers, who were relegated to the Super League this season, will battle Kisumu Youngstars while Daikyo Heroes will have a date with Parklands Sports Club.
Western Jaguars Development will host Kisii Falcons at Kakamega High School.
Fixtures (All matches at City Park unless stated)
Saturday
Twinkle v Nakuru (W) 12 pm
Western Jaguars Development v Kisii Falcons (M) (Kakamega High School, 1 pm)
Park Road Tigers v Mombasa Sports Club (M) 2 pm
Daikyo Heroes v Parkland Sports Club (M) 2 pm Aryans grounds
KU v Mvita (M) 2 pm
Parkroad Badgers v Kisumu Youngstars (M) 4 pm
Greensharks v Sikh Union (M) 6 pm.
