Kenya Hockey Union Premier League: Kisumu Simba claw Mvita as Strathmore hold Western Jaguars

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU

Western Jaguar’s Aaron Kutwa (left) hits the ball as Strathmore’s Edwin Wanyama ducks during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier League  match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi, on Saturday.  [PHOTO:JENIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]

Kisumu Simba thrashed  Mvita 6-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union Premier League match  at City Park Stadium.

Mvita, who looked fatigued from a long trip, were no match for their opponents who dictated the proceedings from the first whistle.

The Coast-based players had a day-long journey from Mombasa which saw them go straight to the pitch on Saturday.

Mvita team manager George Olang’ told FeverPitch: “We did not play well because of the long distance we travelled and my players were very exhausted by the time we got here.”

The last time the coastal side, who were forced to travel  during the day owing to night travel ban, failed to make it onto the pitch in time, Wazalendo were awarded three easy points.

Played well

Mvita, who played well at the beginning of the match, held Simba until Simba’s lethal striker Zack Aura broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, scoring a superb field goal after a one-two exchange with William Oketch in the circle.

Oketch made sure his name was on the score sheet, slotting in Simba’s second goal past Mvita goalkeeper Pius Ratori in the 35th minute.

A minute into the second half, Frank Wanangwe sent the ball home, making it three for Simba. Aura was at it again in the 38th minute through a penalty corner.

Dan Onyango scored a fantastic field goal from a Wanangwe pass on the right before national team player Maxwel Wakhungu sealed the victory in the 70th minute.

In another match at the same venue, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT hammered Technical University of Kenya (TUK) 7-0 in the National Men’s League encounter.  Collins Asilwa scored four goals for JKUAT in the 20th 34th 36th and 38th minutes.  Nick Mbithi scored a brace with his first coming in three minutes into play he added a second in the 44th minute.

Huge victory

Antony Otieno sealed the huge victory with his 69th minute field goal for JKUAT who are targeting to play in the Premier League next season.

In another league encounter Western Jaguars, who are yet to win a match this season, were held to a 2-2 draw by Strathmore Gladiators in a balanced match. 

Jaguars went up in the 52nd minute through Victor Chidi. However, the students replied in the 53rd minute through Emmanuel Simiyu. 

Chidi scored again in the 68th minute but Jaguars lost focus and could not hold on to the lead when Benson Mawich scored the equaliser in the 69th minute. USIU earned three easy points from a walkover as Vikings failed to honour the National Women’s League match.

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