Unbeaten champions thrash Amira in weekend encounter

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Unstoppable Telkom consolidated their lead at the summit of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Premier League with a resounding 6-1 victory over Chase Amira.

Jackline Mwangi and Augrey Omaido bagged a brace each with Maureen Okumu and Barbara Simiyu scoring one goal each to give the 20-time winners their eighth victory of the season.

With the victory, Telkom enhanced their chances of retaining the title with 24 points from eight rounds of matches. Their closest challenger and bitter rivals Strathmore University Scorpions are second with 15 points from six outings while last season’s second place finishers United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) are third with 10.

USIU-A have won three matches, drawn one and lost one. Amira are fourth with nine points, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology ladies are fifth with six, 1999 winners Sliders have four points, while winless Vikings have one point.

In men’s Premier League, favourites Butali Sugar Warriors enhanced their chances of reclaiming the title with double victories at the weekend.

Butali, who are seeking to end a two-year trophy drought, began their weekend with a 4-2 victory over Wazalendo on Saturday evening.

Butali ended their successful weekend out with a resounding 9-1 victory over hapless Nakuru to earn maximum points that saw them move nine points clear second-placed Kenya Police.

International George Mutira was in a class of his own netting five goals while Constant Wakhura, Barnabas Odhiambo, Lawrence Okubasu and veteran Zack Aura netted one goal each as Butali cruised to their 13th win of the season.

The victory increased their chances of recapturing the title they last won in 2015.

Butali coach Dennis Owoka lauded his charges for staying true to their course as they inch closer to achieving their season’s main objective.

“We are all committed to reclaiming our title and I must say that we have remained true to our goals hence the impressive results. We have been working very hard to make sure every match counts and I’m glad we have made the best out of every encounter,” said Owoka.

“We are determined to keep up the spirit and capitalise on everyone’s contribution to the team because I believe our strength is in teamwork.”

Greensharks are third with 24 points from 14 matches after drawing 1-1 draw against KCAU and losing 1-3 to Nairobi Sikh Union.