Sinking Sailors out to sail past Multimedia in hockey league

Amira Sailors will be out to secure their first win of the second leg when they play Multimedia University (MMU) on Saturday in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League match at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

Nine matches will be played this weekend – six in Nairobi, two in Kisumu and the other in Kabarak.

Bottom-placed Technical University of Kenya (TUK) take on Greensharks in the men’s Premier League as they seek their second win of the campaign as Chase Sailors seek to rise up the table with a win against Kenyatta University Vultures.

Amira, who are into their second season in the league, blew hot and cold in the first half of the season, ending in fourth place. They drew 0-0 with Strathmore Scorpions in their first match of the second leg last month.

The result saw them drop to fifth in the log, 12 points behind leaders Telkom. And with a top two finish their target of the season, the side will need to start winning matches. Amira coach Linet Onyango is confident they can still achieve their target despite their inconsistency.

“We have a good squad and the players just need to have the confidence that they can win matches and this will definitely ensure we have a good run,” the former Sliders player said on Friday. Onyango will wait to see whether goalkeeper Rachel Kerubo and forward Pauline Naise will be available with the national team set to train Saturday afternoon.

WANTS A RESPONSE

Naise is the club top scorer with 10 goals and should partner Susan Oketch upfront, if she will be available. Amira were 12-1 winners in the first leg meeting between the sides. A win will move Amira to third spot in the table.

MMU coach Vincent Adhiambo wants a response after his side loss 2-0 to KU Titans last weekend.

“We have got to pick ourselves and give Amira a match. We want to try and avenge the heavy loss they inflicted on us in the first leg,” Adhiambo said.

In another women’s league encounter, Titans take on Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

On Sunday, Sharks will be looking to make it two wins on the trot against debutantes TUK. Sharks won 1-0 away to Nakuru last weekend and another win will see them leapfrog Butali to second spot. They will also reduce the gap between them and leaders Kenya Police to 13 points.

Sharks will welcome back attacking midfielder Victor Osiche.

FIXTURES – (All matches at City Park Stadium unless stated)
Saturday

Premier Women: MMU v Amira – 9am, KU Titans v JKUAT – 10.30am

National Men: Dedan Kimathi v MMU – 12.30pm. Bay Club v Karate Axiom – 3pm (Kisumu), Kabarak University v UON – 2pm (Kabarak)

Sunday

National Men: Kisumu Youngstars v Karate Axiom – 9am

Premier Men: TUK v Greensharks – 2pm, KU Vultures v Chase Sailors – 3.30pm, Wazalendo v KCA-U – 5pm