• “The team has shown significant progress in foundational skills and teamwork so far,” said Guchu.
• "The team is working on specific areas while focusing on enhancing spatial awareness and understanding of positioning,” Guchu explained.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA
Blazers’ team captain Caroline Guchu is optimistic of defending the Kenya Hockey Union Premier League title this season.
Despite drawing 0-0 with Sliders in their opening match on August 3, Guchu has faith in her teammates and expects the side to get into their rhythm soon.
“The team has shown significant progress in foundational skills and teamwork so far,” said Guchu. “We are becoming more comfortable with the basics while understanding the importance of working together. This cohesion has been crucial in our development this season.”
She expects to utilise some of their strengths from last season.
“Consistent reinforcement, enjoyable training sessions and strong parental support have been pivotal,” she said. “The players’ enthusiasm and willingness to learn have also played a significant role in our achievements so far. The players are forming friendships and learning to communicate effectively both on and off the field.”
She added: “Morale is high since the players are enjoying the game and feeling a sense of belonging.”
While at it, she acknowledged improvement in some players.
“While it’s important to celebrate everyone’s efforts, some have shown remarkable progress, especially in recent tournaments,” she noted. “Special mention goes to Chebet (Loraine), who has really stepped up and inspired the rest of the team to work harder.”
The team has faced its share of challenges though.
“With the upcoming players (middle forwards) Charlene Adhiambo and Miriam Mwangi, their role in keeping everyone engaged has been a challenge,” she admitted.
“To address this, we’ve been introduced to more varied and engaging drills to maintain their attention and energy levels.
"The team is working on specific areas while focusing on enhancing spatial awareness and understanding of positioning,” she explained.
“We’re actively working on our conversion rate.”
Even though they are out of action this weekend, Guchu said: “Retaining the league title and being crowned champions again is a key motivation for the team.”
“I’m looking forward to watching how the players use what they’ve learned, especially in terms of teamwork and communication.”
However, she said development is key if they are to retain their status as the best in the division.
“It’s about building confidence in each player and encouraging each other to take on new challenges on the field, enjoy the game while celebrating small victories.”
On July 27, they clinched the
Blazers won the Betty T tournament on July 27, a huge morale booster.
“Winning two tournaments in a row, especially the Betty T tournament — which we had chased for long, has been a great achievement,” Guchu said.
Meanwhile, Strathmore (women) face Amira Sailors at USIU grounds on Saturday, with the men’s team hosting Kenya Police.
Sikh Union will go head-to-head with Sailors at Dashmesh Stadium. In the Super League, Parklands Sports Club (women) will clash with Nakuru at USIU, while Black Tigresses are up against GHF Rift Pirates Ladies at Impala Club.
In the men’s National League, Technical University of Kenya meet Parkroad Tigers at Impala while Karate Axiom battle Mombasa West at Impala. Oyugis host Kisii University in Oyugis.