Strathmore Scorpions' Gilly Okumu scored five goals to lead her team to a 9-0 rout of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on the opening day of the 2019 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Premier League.
The victory marked the first match of the season for the Scorpions, who finished second in the 2018 campaign with 28 points, narrowly missing the title to Telkom, who secured their 19th consecutive league crown with 36 points from 12 wins.
Coach Meshak Senge acknowledged Telkom's dominance but emphasized his team's improved tactics and new signings. "We have what it takes to win the league title, but what we lack is self-belief," he stated. Senge cited a 1-0 loss to Telkom in December 2018 as a result of poor luck rather than inferior skill.
Three new players joined the squad, including Trans Nzoia Secondary's Cynthia Achieng and Doreen Wafula, and former Bura Girls forward Anjela Wema. Key players remaining with the team have taken sabbaticals for work commitments, according to Senge.
In men’s matches, Parklands defeated USIU 3-2, while Parkroad Badgers beat Kenya College of Accountancy-University 3-0 in the Super League.
