Strathmore University hockey coach Meshack Senge has said it would be a 'miracle' if the women's team alias Scorpions retains the Kenya Hockey Union Premier League title this season.
The students have blown hot and cold this season and are currently five points adrift of leaders and record title winners Blazers.
The Scorpions have been a pale shadow of their former selves, registering mixed results in the league hence putting their title defence in jeopardy.
"We will not win the league but we will finish in the top three," the long-serving tactician, who also tutors the men's team pointed out.
"Our fiercest rivals Blazers have accumulated more points than us. It will require a miracle to beat them to the prestigious gong. I don't like talking about other teams but Blazers have the momentum and remain favorites to reclaim the title."
Scorpions lost experienced players after that famous title triumph.
National team captain Gilly Okumu savoured ties with the students and joined Amira Sailors in what the tactician termed as a big blow to the side.
"Okumu was instrumental, an ever-present figure and big-game player whose experience has been missed. She was our top scorer and we would have been a better team if she was in the side. We are building gradually and the team will come good," Senge said.
Scorpions resume league action on January 13 after the Christmas break.
They take on Kenyatta University Titans in the varsity derby with Senge hoping that his girls will prevail in that match.
"We will put our best foot forward. Hopefully, a win will be a good way to start 2024."
