The University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University are spoiling for a full-blown war ahead of their Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Premier League match on Sunday.
The two sides are new to the league with UoN having lost their two opening matches and KU having lost their first match.
UoN coach Clayson Luvanda said his side has been working hard to correct their mistakes in their two opening matches.
“We lost the two matches yes but, of course, that was bound to happen considering we are new in the league and I suspect my players weren’t confident enough.
"As a team, we played well but everyone was accountable. Given we played the reigning champions as well as a team that finished fourth in the league, I think we gave a good account of ourselves,” said Luvanda.
He added: “We needed to improve on our short corners and man markings and that’s what we have been doing in the last two weeks we have been away. Hopefully, it will result in three points considering my players are more confident this time around.”
The Luvanda-coached side were without their goalkeeper Quinter Okore for their first two matches due to an injury.
Okore took part in the Commonwealth Games last year and Luanda believes her services were badly missed.
“We missed the services of our goalkeeper in the opening two matches. She was injured but she is now back.
"At least we are targeting a clean sheet given she has a wealth of experience having played in the Commonwealth Games last year.
"She will be a good value addition. At the same time, we also have two amazing goalkeepers that held forte for us while she was away,” said Luvanda.
KU head coach Richard Wandera on his part said it is going to be a tough match because both sides are eager to win.
“Both KU and UoN are desperate to record a win in the Premier League. The league is very competitive because the teams are few so it’s very important to get a win at this stage of the season,” said Wandera.
The tactician stated that he hopes his side will utilise their finishing opportunities because they created numerous chances but failed to convert them in their last match.
“Our main goal is being clinical in front of the goal. There are other areas as well but I believe we shall get better as the season progresses. We are taking one game at a time because of the league’s competitive nature. We want to give our best in all the matches,” Wandera concluded.