Butali thrash Strathmore Gladiators

Butali warriors Billy Moballah when they played Parklands when they played premier league at City Park. Butali scored 4-1. ON 05/09/15 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Butali Sugar Warriors shocked champions Strathmore University’ Gladiators 3-1 in a Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match  at City Park.

Goals from Constance Wakhura, Emmanuel Simiyu and Barnabas Odhiambo were enough to keep Butali on course to reclaiming their title.

It was sweet revenge for the 2015 champions as they subjected Gladiators, who beat them 3-0 in a penalty shootout last year, to their second successive defeat.

On Saturday, Strathmore conceded their first loss of the season after going down 2-3 to Kenyatta University’s Vultures.

Butali coach Godfrey Wakachungwa said defeating Strathmore was a good move and hopes for better shows in future matches.

“We had not played for close to a month and I must say that my players made a good account of themselves.

“We lost to them in last season’s final, which saw us relinquish our crown, but when we defeated them at the weekend, it was a positive move in our campaign because we want to reclaim our title,” Wakachungwa said.

Butali began their goal hunt with urgency as they pressed deep into the opponent’s territory, but their efforts were thwarted by a tight Gladiators defence.

Zack Aura, Brian Musasia and Derrick Kuloba were solid for Butali in the midfield.