Butali Sugar Warriors prey on USIU in hockey league

Third-placed Butali Sugar Warriors will be out to make ground on the leading pack when they take on United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Friday evening in a Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

The Kisumu-based side will then play Kenyatta University (KU) Vultures Saturday at the same venue to complete their weekend outing.

Victory in both matches will propel Butali into second place before second-placed Greensharks take on Nakuru Athletic Club on Sunday.

Butali are on 12 points, a massive 12 points behind runaway leaders Kenya Police, who have however played four more matches.

Butali, who lost the title to Strathmore University Gladiators last season, will fancy their chances against a USIU side that has only won once in four matches.

AURA OUT

Butali beat Sikh Union Nairobi 4-2 last Sunday and will be eying a repeat performance against the students in the 6pm kick-off.

“We have played two matches in the last two weeks and won both. Our performances keep improving with each game and we aim for more of the same against USIU,” Butali coach Godfrey Wakachunga said.

Butali will be without their influential playmaker Zack Aura due to job commitment, while striker Emmanuel Simiyu is still suspended.

Frank Wanangwe will take up Aura’s playmaker role with Lawrence Okubasu leading the attack in the absence of Simiyu.

Wakachunga started with Evanson Ngoya in goal instead of new recruit Pius Ratori, but the tactician could recall the experienced Ratori in his starting line-up.

“We are only missing two players and we will try to ensure we field a strong squad and also ensure everyone gets to play,” Wakachunga added.

For USIU, the game is a must-win as they look to haul themselves up the table. Despite losing only once, the students have struggled to score goals, managing only three from four matches. Last Saturday, they wasted numerous chances to draw 0-0 with defending champions Strathmore.

A win will move USIU into seventh place, while defeat will leave them looking over their shoulders, two points off the relegation zone. USIU coach Tom Olal has demanded for a reaction from his charges.

“There is no bigger game than against Butali and the lads should really rise up to the occasion and give a good account of themselves. Butali have quality players but we will not show them so much respect,” he said.

Brian Kiplimo and Polycarp Otieno will lead the hunt for goals for the students. International Linus Sang is expected to start in goal for USIU.