Strathmore Scorpions snap up Naise from USIU

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) league giants Strathmore Scorpions have signed Kenyan international forward Pauline Naise from United States International University-Africa (USIU) Spartans for an undisclosed fee.

Naise becomes the second player to sign for last season’s league runners up after Margaret Rotich crossed over to the Scorpions from arch-rivals Telkom Orange in February ahead of the new season which begins at the end of March.

Scorpions coach Meshack Senge confirmed the move terming it a statement of intent on their title ambitions on both the domestic and continental front.

“She (Naise) has had exemplary performances for both her club and country over the last few years and we are glad to have her on board.

“She will definitely help us as we challenge for the league title and also the continental club championship,” an elated Senge told Nation Sport on Wednesday.

Strathmore will be hoping to go a step better than the last two seasons where they have come second to bitter rivals Orange.

They also lost to the league champions in the African Club Championship final in Kampala, Uganda last January.

USIU coach James Mwangi expressed confidence that Naise would be an instant hit at hr new club.

“Naise has been with us for five years and was one of our outstanding players at the club. We wish her well,” he said.

TOP SCORER

Naise, 21, was the top scorer during last year’s World league one series held in Nairobi helping Kenya advance to the second round. She will now expected to partner Gilly Okumu, who was the league’s top scorer last season, in the Strathmore attack.

Strathmore lost 3-2 on penalties to Orange in the women’s final last term after rallying from two goals down to take the game to penalties.

The league will resort to a home and away format this season changing from the pool format that was used last season.