Champs Butali eye African glory

National men’s hockey Premier League champions Butali Sugar Warriors are not only focused on defending their title next year but also becoming the first Kenyan club to win men’s continental crown since 1998.

Head coach Cliff Okello indicated that they will recruit at least two utility players for the coming season with former Strathmore centre half/forward Seth Oburu already on their radar.

Okello said even though they have enough arsenal in their armoury for next season, they can’t afford to be too comfortable. “We can’t afford the luxury of being complacent hence we are looking at engaging two utility players,” said Okello.

“We shall be on for a long season with the title defence and Africa Club Championships and must have more players on board.”

No Kenyan club has lifted the Africa Club Cup Championships title since the defunct Kenya Armed Forces team won in 1998.

SPONSORSHIP

Okello said Butali Sugar Warriors formerly Kisumu Simba managed to win the title owing to several factors including the new sponsorship from Butali Sugar, signing of three new players, the vital contribution of experienced players like Zack Aura, discipline and dedication.

Okello explained that the sponsorship from Butali Sugar ensured that there was consistency in training with ample movement of players from Nairobi and Kisumu. 

“Initially, we had a problem having a full training sessions of our players who are based in Nairobi and Kisumu but the sponsorship eased the movement,” said Okello.

Unlike the previous years, team skipper Ken Nyongesa said their training sessions increased from two to four times weekly with the availability of the facilities at City Park proving vital.