Hockey: Western Jaguars seek redemption against Mombasa Sports Club

Western Jaguars’ Richard Njuki (left) and Ivan Lidiali challenge Moses Cheplaiti (left) of Kenya Police during Hockey Premier League match at City Park Stadium on Sunday, 3rd 202. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Western Jaguars will be seeking to bounce back to winning ways in the men's Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Premier League when they face fellow strugglers Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) on Saturday at City Park.

Currently hovering in the relegation zone, Western Jaguars who are second-last will be hoping to turn around their poor start to the league with victory over bottom placed MSC.

Jaguars are ninth with four points, three points ahead of MSC.

The Kakamega based club are winless in their last three matches against USIU (lost 1-0), Wazalendo (LOST 1-0) AND Butali Warriors (drew 0-0).

Their only victory came on April 3 when they shocked leaders Kenya Police 2-1 at City Park.

On the other hand, MSC have lost all six of their seven matches played with their only point coming from a 1-1 draw with Wazalendo on June 4.

On Sunday, reigning champions Butali Sugar Warriors will be seeking to recapture their lead when they host Sailors at the same grounds.

Warriors slipped to second in the standings after Kenya Police recorded two crucial wins against Parkroad Badgers (4-2) and Strathmore University Gladiators (2-1) last weekend.

Police lead the standings on 19 points, two points ahead of the sugar men who have a chance to go back on top if they see off fourth placed Sailors tomorrow.

Speaking ahead of the match, Warriors captain Constant Wakhura said their focus is to win the match first before they think about the log standings.

Wakhura, who also doubles as the Kenya national men’s hockey team captain said they are aware of the competitiveness of the league this season and they are ready to show why they have been the best hockey team for the past five years.

“The league is competitive this year as compared to in the past. Teams signed good players and are challenging us. Every club wants to beat us but we are ready for the challenge.”

“We have been preparing well for Sailors and with our season goal being retaining the title, we have to win the match to improve our chances and remain on course,” said Wakhura.

Warriors thrashed Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) 3-1 last weekend and will be hoping to build on that victory tomorrow at 3pm.

Other matches will feature USIU take on MSC and Strathmore face Wazalendo.