Matharu banks on Wanangwe

Sikh Union coach Inderjit Matharu has tipped forward Davies Wanangwe to breathe life into the side’s title charge this season.

Matharu, who last featured for the team when they won the title in 2012, believes his side cannot afford to drop any more points.

Wanangwe inspired his team to a 4-0 win over Parkroad Badgers on Wednesday at the City Park Stadium, scoring a brace during the mid-week encounter. The result left Matharu lavishing praise on the talented forward.

“I strongly believe that if the lad can stay fit and puts in such performances for the rest of the season, we should be among the teams challenging for the title,” Matharu told Nation Sport.

Matharu further added that Wanangwe, who last featured for the national hockey team three years ago, should be considered for the national duty.

Davies, who is a younger brother of Butali Sugar Warriors attacking midfielder Frank Wanangwe, fired his team ahead in the 13th minute after finishing off Francis Esikhuri’s dragged penalty corner.

Before the goal, the younger Wanangwe had twice gone close but was denied by the brilliant Allan Agesa in the Badgers goal.

Wanangwe would turn provider on 22 minutes, dribbling past three Badgers players before teeing up Nelson Shihale, who slammed the ball home for Sikh’s second goal of the match.

Most of Sikh’s attacks involved the former Strathmore University student with the Badgers unable to deal with his speed and trickery.

It was no surprise when he again got involved in his team’s third goal, this time teeing up Harir Singh for the simplest of finishes as Sikh took control of the tie with Badgers offering little in attack.

Ten minutes to the end, Wanangwe grabbed his second of the match as he sounded the board after another Esikhuri’s penalty corner to put the scoreline beyond doubt.

“I think if we can play like this in the matches to come, we will give ourselves an opportunity to be among the top three sides. It is a long season but consistency will be key if we harbour any dreams of winning the title,” Wanangwe said.

The result moved the former champions to sixth place in the standings with six points, eight behind leaders Greensharks.

Sikh will be hoping to scale up further in the standings when they play winless Technical University of Kenya (TUK) on Sunday at City Park Stadium.