IT’S DOWN TO THE WIRE IN TITLE DUEL: Amira stand between Orange and their 19th league trophy

Battle for this season’s Kenya Hockey Union women’s league title heads to a nail-biting finish tomorrow when leaders Telkom Orange and second-placed Strathmore University Scorpions play their last matches.

Champions Orange will play debutantes Amira Sailors, while Strathmore will take on the winless Daystar University in crucial matches at City Park.

Telkom Orange top the log with 19 points from six victories and one draw, while Scorpions are second with 17 points. They have won five rounds of matches and drawn twice.

Separated by just two points, Orange will be seeking victory against Amira, but a draw of any kind will still see them retain their gong thanks to their unrivaled goal scoring prowess.

Strathmore must beat Daystar and pray for an Orange loss, for them to have a chance of winning their maiden league trophy.

Orange assistant coach Josephine Ataro told Feverpitch that her charges will go full throttle in their title hunt.

“A lot is at stake for us because this match decides if we will maintain our status as the queens of hockey in the country. We have to be at our best and I urge my players to give their all and complete the job,” Ataro said.

Orange, who are also the reigning Africa Cup of Club champions, have dominated Kenyan hockey over the years and have 18 league titles to show for it. This will be the second meeting between proficient Orange and rookies Amira.

They first met in last month’s Sana Tournament in Mombasa, where Orange trounced their opponents 3-0 in the final.

Amira coach Linnet Onyango said their aim is to make the best out of the match, insisting that her charges should play their hearts out.

“So far, so good. My girls have played very well and a third-place spot is within our reach. Nonetheless, it all depends on what we do in this tie. They just have to remain focused.”

Amira are third in the rankings with 14 points and have a chance to finish in the top three. Today, Kenyatta University’s (KU) Titans tackle last season’s runner-up Sliders, who have been blowing hot and cold this season.

Meanwhile, the tussle for premier league spot hots up in the men’s second division tier when second-placed Wazalendo Youth play Parkroad Tigers today, and tomorrow Thika Rovers play Impala.

In the men’s premier league seeding matches, Western Jaguars travel to Nairobi to meet KU Vultures, whereas Parkroad Badgers will tackle 2012 champions Nairobi Sikh Union.