This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
As the Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League enters its final stages, the battle to avoid relegation has intensified. With only a few matches left, three teams - Strathmore University, Sikh Union, and Parklands - are separated by just one point at the bottom end of the table.
Strathmore University, with 10 points from 15 matches, and Sikh Union, with 9 points from 16 matches, were not in action over the weekend, but their chances of survival remain uncertain. Parklands, rooted at the bottom with 7 points from 16 matches, suffered two consecutive 2-1 losses to Sailors and Kenya Police, further complicating their chances.
According to Parklands captain Kelly Adolwa, fate is still in their hands, but they will need to restrategise to stay in the league. 'We really wanted to win at least one weekend fixture and force a draw in the other, but we now have to restrategise. We have two remaining matches against Strathmore and Sikh, and the result can go any way. Therefore, we have to wait and see how this will pan out,' Adolwa said.
Strathmore coach Meshack Senge is hoping to capitalise on their three matches in hand, starting with this weekend's fixtures against Sikh and United States International University of Africa (USIU-A). 'We just want to ensure we survive the drop. We transitioned this season, and the move has not given us the results we envisioned, but we hope for better in future,' Senge said.
Meanwhile, Butali Sugar Warriors have retained the Premier League title, thanks to a 2-0 win against second-placed Wazalendo on Saturday. Butali have 42 points from 16 matches, while Wazalendo have 33 points from 17 matches. Kenya Police occupy third position with 29 points from 16 matches.
