Fast-rising Greensharks to challenge big boys for title

They were considered minnows in the title race when the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) league season got underway in June but five months down the line, Greensharks have become serious contenders for top honours.

At the weekend, Greensharks underlined their title credentials by becoming the first men’s team to book a spot in the play-offs after a superb 4-0 win away to debutants Nakuru Sikh Union and finish the regular league unbeaten.

Three wins and two draws later, the law enforcers can now start preparing for the semi-finals after a superb season that included a famous win over champions Kenya Police in their first game that got people talking about them.

However, their most defining game of the season was when they fought back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with USIU in what was arguably the game of the season.

It is the fighting spirit that has put the team two games away from their maiden league title.

NOT YET

They now sit on top of Pool A with 11 points, four more than second-placed USIU who have played four games, one less than the leaders.

Greensharks coach Nixon Nyangaga, however, believes the team is yet to reach its full potential.

“This (reaching play-offs) was our first target when the season got underway. We have now made it to the play-offs and we’ll continue preparing hard for the semis because tougher opponents await us,” Nyangaga said.

With Sharks grabbing one of the two slots available, the race for the remaining slot is between USIU, third-place Kenya Police who are also the champions and Western Jaguars.

Police have six points from three games and are a point ahead of Western Jaguars who are still unbeaten and have played three games.

RELEGATION

Nakuru are bottom with no points and are staring at relegation from the top flight.

In Pool B, 2012 champions Nairobi Simba are on course for a semi-final berth after a 3-1 win over Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday.

Simba moved to second with 12 points and need just a point in their remaining two games to qualify for the semis.

Strathmore Gladiators who completed their matches are top, also on 12 points, but with a superior goal difference.

Wazalendo are third with nine points and a huge win in their last game will see them lock Strathmore out of the play-offs.

In the women’s league, Vikings’ 5-0 win over Multimedia could not help them clinch a paly-off spot.