Wounded Simba thirst for USIU-A scalp in league tie

Leaders Nairobi Simba hope to rise from the ashes of defeat to post a sterling performance against the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) in men’s hockey Premier League.

Simba’s defence capitulated last weekend as they slumped to a stunning 1-4 defeat at the hands of Strathmore University in a match they started as favourites. Despite the loss, Simba stayed at the summit of the league table on better aggregate after Strathmore forced a nine points tie.

“The title race is still far from over and the boys have to put behind the defeat, be positive and stay focused for the next matches,” said Simba’s coach and player Inderjit ‘Coolie’ Matharu.

Strathmore have no match

Simba head to the weekend with three wins and one loss while Strathmore, who have no match this weekend, are the only side with three a clean straight victories. USIU-A, who are third from the bottom of the 12-team table, go into the match as underdogs but James Mwangi said his charges will not be cowed.

Last season, Simba and USIU-A had an interesting encounter as the match was washed out with 29 minutes to go with both teams level 0-0. However, Simba triumphed 3-0 when they played the remaining minutes.

Simba still dangerous

“Simba are still on fire despite losing to Strathmore. They should come on us with a full force,” Mwangi said adding that his team is in good shape, having risen to produce five players to the national Under-21 team that is preparing for the World Cup qualifier October in South Africa.

They are strikers Gabriel Teimuge and Brian Makokha, attacking mid-fielders Shabath Shah and Bill Olang, and custodian Richard Wangema.

On Sunday, focus will be will be on the women’s clash as Sliders seek to halt Telkom Orange’s unbeaten run that stretches five years. Orange, who top the league with nine points are eying their 12 successive title.

Saturday: (All matches at City Park).

National Men: MKU v NYS (2pm); KU v Multimedia (4pm); Premier Men: USIU-A v Nrb Simba (6pm).

Tomorrow: National Women: Vikings v KU (10am); Orange v Sliders(2pm)

National Men: Parklands vs. JKUAT (12pm); KU v Kenya Poly (4pm)