PROGRAM SCHEDULED

Malungu: Jaguars to polish basics during the three-week break

We lead the standings but we are not at the level we want to be. Basics are a necessary ingredient in the game. We still have a lot to do in that department-Malungu.

In Summary

• The Kakamega-based side will play their next match in the Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League at the start of July.

• We will also review the structure of the play. The set plays require the sharpness that the players currently lack-Malungu.

Western Jaguars' Allan Malit (L) battles for the ball with Moses Omamo of Sailors in a past KHU Premier League match
Western Jaguars' Allan Malit (L) battles for the ball with Moses Omamo of Sailors in a past KHU Premier League match
Image: /FILE

Western Jaguars coach Mike Malungu has said the three-week break will be used to work on the players' basics and structure of play before facing Kenya Police.

The Kakamega-based side will play their next match in the Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League at the start of July.

This follows a 3-0 convincing victory over Greensharks on Saturday, a match the table-topping team dictated from the start.

"We lead the standings but we are not at the level we want to be. Basics are a necessary ingredient in the game. We still have a lot to do in that department," Malungu, who doubles up as the national under-21 coach said.

"We will also review the structure of the play. The set plays require the sharpness that the players currently lack".

Jaguars, who finished third last season, look a different beast this time. 

"We must stay close to the chasing pack. So far, this is the best performance we've had since the team got promoted to the top tier more than 15 years ago. We have also survived some nervy moments in the past," Malungu recounted.

In 2018, Jaguars survived relegation on the last day of the season. The team was also involved in the relegation battles in 2017 and 2016 according to the keen-to-detail gaffer.

After getting sponsorship last year, results have been on an upward trajectory and a first title could be on the cards for the Jaguars despite Malungu downplaying their chances.

He said Jaguars are an inspiration to other teams that are looking for success in the long term.

"We have laid a structure that other teams need to borrow despite the little resources. We have shown that investment in youth structures is the key to reviving the standards of the game in the country," Malungu finalised.