Newbies Lakers Hockey Club savouring perfect start to life in premier league

Lakers Hockey Club Assistant Captain Ashley Akinyi (left) tussles for the ball against Sliders' Esther Champchui during their Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women Premier League match played at Sikh Union Club in Kisumu on April 6, 2019. [Photo: Courtesy]

Newbies Lakers hockey club are the current log leaders of the 2019 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women Premier League.

The Kisumu based ladies 1-0 win over Kenyatta University saw them leapfrog Telkom and go top of the table with five points after three matches, winning one and drawing two.

Strathmore University Women are second with four points the same as defending champions Telkom and Amira Sailors but with a greater goal difference with all having a game in hand.

Lakers drew 1-1 with hosts Strathmore University before dislodging Kenyatta University 1-0 courtesy of left-back Judith Abayo’s penalty flicks in both matches and team coach Brian Aduda now believes they can consolidate their position.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, Aduda said they can strengthen their position by winning their three consecutive home matches against United States International University-Africa (USIU-A Women), Sailors and Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT).

“We have started the season well despite the two draws against Sliders and Strathmore but am happy with the girl’s performance and response in the two matches. All we have to do now is to win all our home matches next month to stay top,” Aduda said.

However, defending champions Telkom have the opportunity to reclaim their top spot and go two points clear of Lakers when they play their game in hand against Strathmore this weekend.

Aduda also praised goal hero Abayo and 16-year-old stopper Millicent Adhiambo for an excellent display in Nairobi adding teamwork helped them survive in their away matches.

“Adhiambo has a bright future considering she is just 16. Her performance in Nairobi was key to our excellence and with Abayo providing perfect flicks with the teamwork around the threat posed by our opponents,” he added.

Adhiambo, still a form two student of Nyanza hockey giants Sinyolo Girls managed a clean sheet and made several breathtaking saves is one of the new youth signings made by the club this year.

Lakers host USIU-A Women on May 18 and assistant captain Ashley Akinyi believes they have ample time to prepare for the university girls.

“We have a month to train and work on our mistakes and tactical approach to the tie and I believe that is enough for the team to be ready for the fixture,” she said.