Lakers upbeat ahead of Strathmore Scorpions and Kenyatta University duel

Lakers hockey club players after a past match ijn Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Lakers Hockey Club are confident of kicking off their 2023 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women's Premier League on the front foot when they play their first match of the new campaign against defending champions Strathmore University Scorpions today (Saturday) from 4pm.

Fresh from their third-place finish at the Africa Club Championship played in February (joint third with Delta Queens of Nigeria on 11 points), the Kisumu based hockey outfit is keen to replicate their form from the continental showpiece to the local league.

Since earning promotion to the Premier League in 2019, Lakers have finished fourth during their debut season and third respectively last season, a feat John Paul Otieno, the team manager, is keen to surpass.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Otieno said they believe they can win the title this season if they get off to a winning start.

"Last year, what costed us was the early season defeats at home to USIU Spartans and Strathmore. Our away form was spectacular and we hope the new addition we made will help spark the team to even greater heights," said Otoeno.

Lakers have signed six players ahead of the new season. T

hey include Maryanne Mercy and Dorothy Achieng from Western Region hockey champions Tigoi Girls, Synthia Adhiambo and Verah Anyango from RIAT Institute, Sheila Musanga from Tom Mbyoya Colege Homabay and Ruth Netia from multiple time KUSA hockey champions Masinde Muliro University.

"Our tradition continues. We pride in investing in the new fresh talent from high school and colleges and am happy that I can name a dozen who have proceeded to play for the national team," added Otieno.

Scorpions are currently top of the standings with seven points after playing four matches (2 wins, 1 defeat and 1 draw).

On Sunday, Lakers will play newbies Kenyatta University fresh from the Super League at 12pm.

The university students are sixth with one point after two matches.

The other match will feature University of Nairobi face former champions Blazers at 2pm.

In the men's league, Strathmore Gladiators will face Sikh Union on Saturday as Sailors play Greensharks.