Blazers’ captain Caroline Guchu is banking on teamwork again to deliver impressive results during the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) decisive final clash against Strathmore University on Sunday.
Both teams are top of the table tied on 19 points from eight matches.
They have an identical record of six wins, a draw and a loss, setting up a winner-takes-all battle.
Guchu credited their consistency this season to the team’s cohesion.
“Teamwork is evident in everything we do,” she said.
Reflecting on the assignment ahead, she said:
“Strathmore are great opponents and we are going into the match to have fun.”
In training, Guchu said they have been focusing on pressing, penalty corners and ball movement.
“We’ve worked on everything— structure, goal-scoring, defending—and we hope to cover all loopholes,” Guchu said.
Having played for the club since re-branding from Telkom in 2019, Guchu stressed the importance of composure and collective effort.
“We value everyone’s contribution and effort. As a team, we listen to each other and work towards shared objectives,” she said.
Guchu said a win on Sunday would help her continue her legacy of success.
“I’ve always been a champion since I started playing for the club in 2010. We hope to get it this year too,” she said.
On the other hand, Strathmore captain Diana Bariti described the match as critical and expressed confidence in her team’s ability to deliver.
“This is a determiner and we must do whatever it takes to win the crown,” she said.
Bariti highlighted Strathmore’s speed and experience as key strengths.
“We know the Blazers are coming strong, but we will stick to our structure and focus on scoring within the box,” she said.
Bariti praised her team’s unity and acknowledged the support they’ve received from their male counterparts throughout the season.
“We work as a team for one common goal,” she said.
In her second season of leadership, Bariti sees the moment as a personal milestone.
“Being in leadership gives you a perspective that drives you to outwork yourself."
Strathmore last lifted the trophy in 2022.
