Butali Sugar Warriors launched their men’s hockey premier league title defence on a high with a resounding 6-1 victory over Kenyatta University ‘Vultures’ at City Park Stadium.
Like the proverbial fine wine that gets better with age, veteran Saidi Okwemba was outstanding for his side in defence as well as scoring twice.
Former United States International University of Africa (USIU) forward Lawrence Okubasu and Greensharks midfielder Tony Nyukuri seeking to impress their new employer, scored one goal each in their debut match for Warriors. Internationals Zack Aura and Maxwell Fuchaka also ensured their names were on the score sheet slotting in one goal apiece to contribute to the impressive win.
Warriors’ team manager Kamal Sambi told Feverpitch that they are working hard towards improving at personal and club level as they seek to retain the national crown and also return to the continental scene.
“The entire team is focused on club growth but we can’t forsake personal development because individual effort put together through teamwork will culminate in success. Our main objective is to defend the league title and also excel at the Africa Club Championships. I’m glad all my players are committed and know what they need to do as individuals as well as a team,” Sambi said on Saturday after the match.
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Battle for men's league title now turned into tight two-horse battle
Okubasu announced his presence with the champions, beating the Vultures’ defence and goalkeeper Dennis Nyongesa to gift Warriors an early lead with his fifth minute superb field goal. His strike seemed to have awakened the students, who kept vigil at their backyard thwarting Warriors’ frequent attacks.
The Vultures seemed to have found a way of containing the goal-hungry Warriors until Okwemba successfully converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute. Okwemba came calling again with another short corner five minutes later to complete his brace. Fuchaka hit the board by the half hour mark to give Warriors a 4-0 advantage at breather.
Moses Omamo pulled one back for the Vultures eight minutes into the second half. Their celebration were short-lived as six minutes later their defence that was evidently struggling without the services of Daniel Bunyasi, who decamped to Greensharks was exposed as Nyukuri added a fifth for Warriors. The Vultures intensified hunt for a second goal, but the gap left by lethal striker Shadrack Ruto who signed for Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCAU) was telling with Aura sealing the victory in the 55th minute.
