Jaguars face Nakuru in relegation battle

As the first round of the men’s hockey league comes to an end this weekend, more heat will be felt at the bottom of the table where KCAU, Nakuru, Parkroad Badgers and Western Jaguars are locked in the relegation dog-fight.

KCAU, ninth on nine points, Nakuru, tenth with 8 points, Parkroad Badgers below them with 5 points from 10 league matches, while Jaguars trail with their three points so far, have a mighty battle in their hands in their bid for safety.

What more?It promises to be a battle of nerves when Western Jaguars tackle Nakuru on the road, a match that will be crucial to both sides knowing that a defeat would hand a potential hammer blow to whichever team that loses.

So dicey and tense is the situation that neither side will be taking chances in this contest.

However, KCAU and Parkroad Badgers will not be involved in any action this weekend and they are expected to get back to business on July 29 with fixtures against USIU and Jaguars at hand respectively.

Reigning champions Kenya Police will also have a quiet weekend as their match against Wazalendo has been postponed for a later date.

Meanwhile, Butali visit Wazalendo at City Park on Sunday and their head coach Dennis Owoko is cautious of their hosts who are enjoying a good run of form.

George Mutira, Zack Aura and Frank Anamwa — are some of the dangerous players who could disrupt Butali’s good run that has seen them mount a genuine tittle challenge this season.

Mutira, a new recruit from Chase Sailor, has scored 10 goals so far this season and will be a key figure in Owoko’s line-up.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Owoko urged his players to stay focused ahead of the showdown. He said :“Wazalendo is a good team but they lack experience. All I need of my players is to concentrate on our  game and if they do that then we will get all the three points.”

Butali will further be buoyed by their recent good standing with Wazalendo, having lost none in their previous two encounters and will be hoping to extend the run to three matches.

“We have done intense training.Most of my players are fit and I’m confident my boys’are going to deliver.It will be a difficult match but we are going to give out our best, ”added OwOko

Weekend fixtures

Saturday

Western Jaguars vs Nakuru -Kakamega,3pm

Sunday 22

Strathmore vs USIU-City Park,5pm

Reports by Robbie Chome and Erick Naysani