This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
As the Kenya Hockey Union Premier League season draws to a close, Butali Sugar Warriors are firmly in control of their title defence, having accumulated 33 points from 13 matches with 10 wins and three draws.
With their closest challengers Wazalendo trailing by seven points, the champions are now competing against themselves, with their main focus being on securing their remaining fixtures.
Former champions Kenya Police have struggled this season, ranking fourth with 18 points after 11 matches, while Western Jaguars and Greensharks have also lost momentum, occupying the fifth and third spots respectively.
Butali head coach Dennis Owoka is confident of retaining the title, stating, "We are already certain that we are going to retain this title. We only want to remain calm and win our next two fixtures and then start icing the champagne."
"Many people usually rate Police as our only competitors but that is not true. Each and every team is very competitive especially the mid-table team so we have to be very careful," said Owoka.
With only five matches left to play, Butali's path to the title is not without its challenges, with Chase Sailors, Western Jaguars, Wazalendo, Parklands, and Greensharks all standing in their way.
Meanwhile, in the women's league, serial winners Telkom are also champions designate, topping the standings with 26 points after 10 matches, with their closest challengers Strathmore University trailing by eight points.
