By Oscar Pilipili
Strathmore University’s new signing Emmanuel Simiyu made a memorable debut after he scored a brace to help his team beat Karate Axiom 4-0 in a hockey premiership match.
Strathmore youthful players went into the offensive from the first whistle, pinning Karate in their own half in search of early goals during the match at City Park Stadium on Saturday.
The students almost broke the deadlock on the fourth minute but Frank Wanangwe’s drive was parried back to play by hardworking Karate goalkeeper William Mitungi.
Karate created own chances and the best of them came in the fifthth minute when Edwin Namisi raced on the right flank and cut through Strathmore’s defence like a hot knife in butter, but his efforts were thwarted by goalkeeper Collins Asimba.
Strathmore’s opener came after 15 minutes when captain George Mutira converted a spot kick following an infringement inside the box.
trade mark runs
Karate had chance to equalise a minute later when Namisi did his trade mark runs on the flank but his hit missed the mark after beating all Strathmore defenders.
On counter attack, Strathmore who enjoyed big ball possession throughout the match had their second goal in the 16th minute through Simiyu following a good combination with midfield maestro Allan Inungu and Brian Musasia. And to underline his goal-scoring ability, Simiyu who was signed from national secondary schools hockey giants Friends School Kamusinga this season gave his team their third goal in the 23rd minute and hence a deserved 3-0 lead at half time.
fourth goal
Strathmore got their fourth goal in the 54th minute through Fred Oracha after fighting hard to break Karate’s second half resistance.
Simiyu was on cloud nine after achieving a double on his appearance in the big boys’ league.
"Like any other player, I feel great to score two goals but on the other hand I must admit they all came as a result of great teamwork," he said.
"I look forward to score many goals and God willing top the scorers chart at the end of the season," said Simiyu.
More than three quarters of current players at Strathmore are former students of Kamusinga including Wanangwe, Musasia and Mutira.
Karate are making a comeback to the premiership after playing in the lower tier national league for two years.
In a men’s national league match, Kimathi University defeated newcomers Kenya Polytechnic 3-0.
Kimathi scored their first goal through Simon Mwangi in the 18th minute before Daniel Waweru (20th) and Simon Mwangi added one goal apiece to help the team bag maximum points.
Despite playing during the daytime, players did not hide their desire to have a feeling of the recently launched floodlights.
