Jaguars scent blood against faltering Police
Western Jaguars’ Allan Malit (left) vies for the ball with Andrew Kiplimo of USIU-A during their Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at City Park Stadium in Nairobi on October 15, 2022.
What you need to know:
- Men’s top league leaders Butali Sugar face Parkroad at City Park on Saturday
- The law enforcers are winless since June but their opponents have rediscovered top form
A well-oiled Western Jaguars side hosts former champions Kenya Police in a clash for second spot in the Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League at the Eregi Teachers Training College in Kakamega on Saturday.
Three points separate the two teams.
A win for Jaguars will move them joint second with Police, who have 24 points from 12 matches.
Victory for the law enforcers will see them open a six-point lead over the third-placed Jaguars, who have 21 points from the same number of matches.
Leaders and defending champions Butali Sugar Warriors, who will clash with Parkroad Badger at the City Park Stadium in Nairobi, have 30 points from 12 matches.
The odds are for Jaguars, who have found their mojo in the second leg and will be keen to complete a double having won 2-1 in first leg in April, to win
Police, who have struggled in the last three months. They last registered a win (2-1) in June against Sailors.
Police coach Patrick Mugambi knows this too well and he has promised a bruising battle.
"It’s a tight position to be at and the outcome of the match will determine a lot of things. We have had a good away record but we know our opponents' capabilities.
“They have made remarkable improvement in recent times," said Mugambi.
Police will be without defender Samuel Oungo who is nursing a finger injury but cover Mathew Kipchirchir should fit in well.
A confident Jaguars coach Michael Malungu believes they are unstoppable.
“The players are raring to go. We are targeting to finish second when the season comes to an end and this match is crucial to us.
“We want all points,” said Malungu.
Lakers have a date with Amira Sailors who are seeking their first win of the season in the women’s Premier League at the Kisumu Sikh Union.
Fixtures
Saturday: UoN v Nairobi Chapel (W) (12pm, City Park), Lakers v Amira Sailors (W) (1pm,Kisumu Sikh), Nairobi Chapel v UoN (M) (2pm, Strathmore), Nandi Hawks UoE (M) (2pm, Kapsabet High School), Nakuru v KCA (M) (2pm, Nakuru Hockey Club), Jkuat v Parkroad Tigers (M) (2pm, City Park), Western Jaguars v Police (M) (2pm,Eregi TTC), Kisumu Youngstars v MMU (M)3pm, Kisumu Sikh), Gorillas v Thika Rovers (M) (4pm,Strathmore), Mvita XI v Parklands Sports Club (M) (4pm, Aryans Ground), TUK v Wazalendo Masters (M)(4pm, City Park), Parkroad Badgers v Butali (M)(6pm,City Park)
Sunday: Lakers v Sliders (W) (9am, Kisumu Sikh), Jkuat v UoN (M)(9am, City Park), UoN v Karate Axiom (M) (10am,Strathmore), Kisumu Youngstars v KU (M) (10am, Kitale Hockey Club v UoE (M) (11am, St Anthony Kitale), Bay Club v Blue Pirates (M) (11am,Kisumu Sikh), TUK v JKUAT (M) (11am,City Park), Wazalendo Masters v Parkroad Tigers (M) (1pm, City Park), Strathmore v Blazers (W) (3pm,City Park), Strathmore v Parkroad Badgers (W) (5pm,City Park)
