African women hockey silver medalists Strathmore University Scorpions are determined to seal their first-ever continental title as the 2014 Africa Cup

Gilly Okumu of Scorpion team of Strathmore University at Citypark. ON 30/07/14 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

African women hockey silver medalists Strathmore University Scorpions are determined to seal their first-ever continental title as the 2014 Africa Cup of Club championships (ACCC) starts on Saturday at Khumalo Hockey Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This will be a third attempt by the students who made their debut on the continental scene in 2012 ACCC's at the same venue.
The students, who were fifth at their inaugural event, proved to be a force to reckon with as they fought hard to finish second behind winners Orange Telkom in Kampala, Uganda. Strathmore striker Yvonne Wanjiku scooped the top scorer's award for her seven goals in the tournament.
Strathmore head coach, Meshack Senge, is confident his charges will excel because they have maintained a good record. "My players improved from fifth to second. The only way we can show growth is if we win gold," he said.
He, however, cautioned his players not to underrate any team as they are equally good and up to the task. "I have talked to my players and they know that all teams have joined the competition with the trophy in mind. They are now ready to take each match with the seriousness it deserves," he said.
Strathmore have had a good run in the women's league and remain unbeaten in their Pool B. They have been impressive, scoring 34 goals and conceding three. Strathmore will be relying on their new signing Gilly Okumu for goals. She currently leads the top scorer's table with 10 league goals. The former Sinyolo Girls student will make her debut on the international scene at club level in Bulawayo.
Beaming with confidence, national team defender Caroline Njoki, who will be wearing the captain's armband for the first time, promised to lead her charges to gold. She said her team are youthful and have matured and their opponents should expect a different side.
"We are a very young squad with 23 as the average age. Even so, we have matured in the sport and are focused and ready to win," Njoki told FeverPitch. She added that they don't feel pressured because they have prepared well and are ready to conquer the continent. "Pressure is on our opponents because they are aware that we have trained well. On our part, all we need is to remain focused and keep our eyes on the prize."
The Scorpions will join defending champions Orange, who beat them 2-0 in the previous finals, as the only representatives for the country. The country will not be represented in the men's category as Police and Butali Sugar Warriors, formerly Kisumu Simba, pulled out due to financial constraints.