Kenya set for two-pronged continental title hunt
Telkom Orange women’s hockey players display the Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League trophy. Telkom Orange and Strathmore Scorpions hockey teams will get their campaigns underway at the Africa Cup of Club Championships (ACCA) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe this weekend. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Scorpions’ attack will be led by prolific striker Gilly Okumu, who has been in fine form this season, notching 10 goals in the league campaign.
- Orange, who are eying a record seventh title, will start as firm favourites against Genetrix who are making their debut in the continental event.
Telkom Orange and Strathmore Scorpions women’s hockey teams will get their campaigns underway at the Africa Cup of Club Championships (ACCA) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe this weekend.
Strathmore will take on home side Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) at the Khumalo Stadium Friday at 5pm (Kenyan time) while defending champions Orange will play their opening match against Malawian outfit Genetrix on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Scorpions, who were losing finalists in the tournament’s last edition early this year, flew out of the country on Wednesday night and arrived in Zimbabwe on Thursday.
The Meshack Senge-coached team will be aiming to lift their maiden title but will face stiff challenge from the host team which is one of the oldest clubs in Zimbabwe.
Senge has warned his players to expect a tough match from their opponents.
“We have never played them before so we don’t know much about them but we believe we can win the match,” Senge told Saturday Nation Sport on phone from Bulawayo.
Scorpions’ attack will be led by prolific striker Gilly Okumu, who has been in fine form this season, notching 10 goals in the league campaign.
EYING SEVENTH TITLE
Okumu will be making her debut in the continental event and the university side will certainly fancy their chances with the 22-year-old in the pitch.
“Our form in the league has been good and if we can play like that in Bulawayo, we have a huge chance of winning the title,” Okumu said during the team’s last training session at the City Park Stadium on Tuesday.
The Kenyan side’s next match will be against Tanzania's Twende on Sunday afternoon.
Defending champions Orange will be up against Pool A opponents Genetrix in the first meeting between the two teams.
Orange, who are eying a record seventh title, will start as firm favourites against Genetrix who are making their debut in the continental event.
The team has retained a bulk of players who triumphed in Uganda in January this year.
“We know nothing about our opponents but every team at this stage is strong and we therefore will not take them for granted,” Orange coach Jos Openda said.
