Hockey: Jaguars overwhelm Gladiators

Western Jaguar Kelvin Machinji (left) and Park Road's Collins Omachi fight for the ball during the men's Hockey Premier League. [File]

Western Jaguars launched their Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League title campaign on a high after beating former champions Strathmore University Gladiators 2-0 in Kakamega.

Conrad Khafwafwa was outstanding for Jaguars netting a brace to see his side, which survived relegation last season begin with victory over 2016 champions. Jaguars are hoping to avoid a repeat of their 2018 poor show that saw them evade demotion after winning their last league match.

Jaguars coach Peter Okova said he got the start he wanted and his aim this season is to keep winning so they can avoid battling relegation like they did last season.

“We wanted a good start to the season and I’m glad we had our way. We want a better campaign this year because we don’t want to go through the same experience we had last season. We want to work very hard so that we don’t have to worry about maintaining our spot in the top league but rather concentrate on a good finish,” Okova said.

It was a bad start for Strathmore, who are seeking to reclaim the title they lost to Kenya Police in 2017. They have not been at their best in the last two seasons and needed maximum points in their opener to get their chase on the right track.

Four minutes is all substitute Khafwafwa needed to break the Gladiators defence and send the ball home past goalkeeper John Wekesa for Jaguars’ 1-0 lead seconds to the break of the first quarter.

Strathmore gave their all in the second quarter making frequent attacks, but their efforts to restore parity bore no fruit as the Jaguars backline protected goalkeeper Gilbert Okanga.

Gladiators captain Festus Onyango, Paul Omariba, Basil Wamalwa and Job Ogeso intensified their hunt for an equaliser but could not find their way back into the game.

For all their good defending in the second and third quarters, Strathmore were powerless to prevent Khafwafwa from completing his brace seven minutes from full time.

In the men’s Super League (SLM), Technical University of Kenya (TUK) extended their unbeaten run after edging Kisumu Youngsters 2-1 at City Park.

The win saw TUK, who are seeking a return to the top tier league take the number one spot on the standings with 12 points. The Youngsters, who suffered their first loss this season are second with nine points while Parkroad Badgers are third.