Strathmore University Gladiators claim hockey league title

Strathmore University Gladiators on Sunday won the 2016 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League title.

The students dethroned champions Butali Sugar Warriors 3-0 on post-match penalties in the play-off final to bring the season to a dramatic finale at the City Park Stadium.

The match had to be completed on Sunday after heavy rains forced it to be abandoned on Saturday with the 18 minutes left to play and the sides locked at 1-1. With both sides unable to break the deadlock in 18 minutes yesterday, the teams headed to shootouts.

Strathmore substitute goalkeeper John Brown was the hero as he saved Zack Aura and Seth Oburu’s penalties, while Frank Wanangwe’s effort went wide.

The students on the other hand were clinical, converting through skipper Francis Kariuki, Dan Onyango and Derrick Kuloba, who scored the winning penalty to hand his side a famous victory.  Striker Festus Onyango sent his spot kick high in the sky.

Kuloba was embraced by his teammates’ after he scored past Butali goalkeeper Evanson Ngoya, and coach Meshack Senge knelt down for a prayer.

Senge said his team deserved the victory and praised his charges for showing hunger and desire to win the title.

“This is the best Christmas gift for the lads. We came back stronger in the second half on Saturday and the equaliser gave us the momentum. The last 18 minutes were a game of nerves. Neither side wanted to make any mistakes,” Senge said.

“We beat worthy opponents and I think we were kept our calm and were able to keep them at bay. We used our strengths to win the match.”

It is Strathmore’s third league title, having also lifted the gong in 2006 and 2009. Senge was carried shoulder high by his players on a lap of honour round the pitch, much to the delight of the fans.

DOUBLE CHAMPIONS

Butali, winners in 2014 and 2014 and who were bidding for a hat trick of titles, only had themselves to blame, having dominated the match on Saturday and also created chances in yesterday’s 18 minutes.

The Kisumu-based team, which boasts an array talent in the likes of Aura, Wanangwe and Emmanuel Simiyu, were undone by poor finishing when it mattered most.

“It is sad that that when it mattered most, we were unable to take our chances. This game should have been over on Saturday had we been clinical and we know have to bounce back for next month’s Africa club championship,” Butali coach Cliffe Okello said.

Kariuki lifted the title flanked by his teammates. Women’s Premier league winners Telkom Orange and national men’s champions Technical University of Kenya were also awarded their trophies.