Telkom Orange make league’s winning call
Hockey
By
Elizabeth Mburugu
| Nov 14, 2016
Telkom Orange retained their Kenya Hockey Union women's league trophy after beating newcomers Amira Sailors 4-0 in their last league match yesterday at City Park.
The win moved the champions to 22 points, two more than Strathmore University Scorpions, who finished on 20 points after they defeated Daystar University 9-0 in an earlier match at the same venue.
The win saw Telkom capture a record 19th title. A brace from veteran striker Jackline Mwangi and goals from Maureen Okumu and Flavian Situma gifted Telkom the coveted gong.
Telkom coach Jos Openda was elated with the achievement.
"It has been a short season with less matches, nonetheless, it feels good to be champions once again. We did just enough and our consistency and experience carried us all through, " Openda told Feverpitch.
Telkom went to the pitch in need of a clear win as a loss would have denied them the gong. After a slow start in which both sides struggled to settle, Telkom took the lead from their first short corner.
Kenya international Audrey Omaido combined well with Situma before Omaido setup Mwangi, who did not hesitate to score past a hapless Amira goalkeeper Rachel Kerubo. Telkom were awarded another short corner in the 20th minute, but veteran defender Terry Juma failed to convert.
Another short corner was also wasted four minutes later as Telkom took control of the contest.
Amira struggled to settle in the match, but almost hit back at the half-hour mark when dependable foward Susan Oketch weaved her way past three Telkom defenders, but was unable to complete the job.
The missed chance proved costly as Lillian Aura fed Okumu, who slotted in to give Telkom a 2-0 advantage with two minutes to halftime.
Amira seemed lost and fizzled out in the second half as the champions went hunting for more goals. Mwangi got her second in the 57th minute. Four minutes to fulltime, Mutiva added the fourth and with that, there was no turning back for Telkom.
The final whistle drew wild celebrations from Telkom faithful.