Hockey: Police, Nairobi Simba contend for semi-finals places

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU in KAMPALA

Kenya Police will battle it out for a semi-final spot with Trustees of Ghana at the Africa Club championships at the Lugogo Stadium in Kampala.      

Police must win all their remaining matches to proceed to the semis. Police team manager Tom Ondeng said they still have hopes of advancing.

“Winning is not an option in our remaining group games, we want the title and we will fight for it,” he said. Police won 2-0 in their opening match against Union Bank of Nigeria but lost 4-1 to Egypt Police and later thrashed Kampala Hockey Club 13-1.

They are currently third in their group behind Trustees and Egypt Police. We need more goals and straight wins to keep our hopes alive,” he added.

In another men’s encounter, Nairobi Simba will face defending champions Sharkia of Egypt in their last group game.

 Simba must triumph against Sharkia who are yet to lose a match to make it to proceed. Simba coach Inderjit Matharu admitted beating Egyptians requires hard work.

“It is our last and a must win group game; we will fight hard for the victory,” he said.

Simba drew 2-2 with Yobe Warriors of Nigeria, fell 2-4 to Golden sticks of Ghana and beat Wanainchi Hockey Club of Uganda 3-1.

In other matches of the day, Kampala Women will take on Ghana Revenue Authority in their last group B match in search of a semi-final slot.

Both teams are yet to win any match leaving the second semi-finalist spot in their pool open.

In the men’s category Yobe will tackle Golden Sticks of Ghana in their last group A match.

Yobe are currently tied with Nairobi Simba with four points from three matches. Egypt Police will be out to arrest Union Bank of Nigeria. Egypt’s law enforcers are topping group B and are sure of the semifinal slot.

The last group matches to determine the semi-finalists will take place today in various fields.