NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 13 – National men’s hockey league champions Butali Sugar are hopeful that their opening day 2-1 win over Western Jaguar in the Africa Cup of Club Championships on Monday is the start of a rampaging run towards the continental title.
The side negotiated a tricky tie against their Kenyan rivals at Sikh Union Club, scoring an early goal in the first minute through Moses Adembah before Calvins Kanu added the second in the 58th minute.
Club captain Constant Wakhura was over the moon, describing the win as a sign of better things to come.
“Our target is to reach the finals because we have worked hard for this title. We have never lifted it but I believe in the boys…I believe in myself. I believe we can win it. Every team in this competition is a threat because they are the best in their respective countries. So, we will have to be at our best to go all the way,” Wakhura said.
The national champions began the match in fiery fashion although they had to contend with the speediness of their younger opponents who had numerous chances to get back into the game.
A Derrick Wakwabubi goal in the dying stages of the game made for a nervy ending for Butali who had to call on their experience to contain the marauding ‘wild cats.’
“It was a tough game because they are a young side, full of running. You saw in the fourth quarter that we were very low…we were not running at their pace. So, we managed by keeping the ball but they are a fast opponent,” Wakhura said.
He added: “If you cannot score, at least try to keep the ball because if you do that, the opponent cannot score. The only way we could manage a team that runs a lot like that is to keep the ball.”
Teething problems
At the same time, Jaguar coach Michael Malungu said his charges were overawed by their maiden appearance at the continental level, bemoaning their opponents’ early goal.
“I didn’t expect that we would start on such a negative note. We conceded an early goal …we had moments to get back into the game early enough but didn’t take our chances. We need to work on our finishing and creating combinations in attack,” Malungu said.
Despite being gutted about the loss, Malungu is confident that the Kakamega-based side will improve as the competition progress – having had a feel of continental action.
“This is our first time playing at this level so this is a historical moment for us. We are here to learn as well as compete so it will actually aid in the growth of the team. The average age of this team is 22 years so we have a long way to go because we are just beginning the journey,” he said.
They next face Uganda’s Weatherhead on Tuesday evening in their second Pool A fixture as Butali Sugar square off against Ghana’s Exchequers.
In other fixtures of the day, Kenya Police pipped Zimbabwe’s Hippo 1-0 courtesy of a Brian Saina goal in 47th minute.
Nigeria’s Police Machine thrashed Tanzanian side Moshi Khalsa 9-0 as Egypt’s Sharkia beat Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) 3-1.
Exchequers were given a 2-0 walkover after their opponents, Kada Stars of Nigeria, proved a no-show.
Weatherhead were thrashed 3-0 by Egypt’s Zamalek.
In the ladies’ fixtures, Kenya’s Lakers drew 1-1 with their fellow countrywomen, Blazer, with Eusyla Cherotich scoring for the Kisumu-based side as Joan Maranda levelled matters for the latter side.
Army Ladies of Ghana beat GRA Ladies 3-1 in all-Ghanaian fixture.
