Current table leaders Kampala Hockey Club Stallions take on defending champions Wananchi on Sunday in what promises to be a nerve-racking encounter at the National Hockey Stadium, Lugogo.
The Stallions were in perfect mood last weekend against Simba as they secured a convincing 4-0 win over Ali Mohammed’s charges to ascend atop.
It was a result that very few had predicted given their preview meets, and given Simba’s thumping of Rockets in their first game. Bernard Bwire’s men were simply exceptional in their work on Sunday and ultimately, were well deserving of their win.
The tests come thick and fast in the league though, and this weekend sees them battle a side they haven’t beaten in the league for a long time. In fact, KHC have not tasted league victory against the record league winners since Bwire took over.
But buoyed by their first two games, KHC will hope to be a threat when the two teams meet. They will try to secure a rare victory, although against a wounded Wananchi, they will expectedly not find life easy.
Things were far from merry for Wananchi last weekend though. The defending champions put in a strong-looking performing against Weatherhead, but were forced to come out with nothing as they endured a 2-0 defeat.
It is no secret that Wananchi greatly miss their talisman Innocent Mbabali who joined Kenyan side United States International University early this year, and who is barred by the new rules to play for his Ugandan side which was not the case the previous years.
Not only is his immense talent missed, his leadership on the field is missed too. Mababali is a vocal guy who is known for his willingness to go an extra mile just to protect his teammates, although that sometimes lands him into trouble.
While Wananchi dominated the game against Weatherhead last Sunday, Mbabali’s passing and his short corner expertise was undeniably missed. Wananchi couldn’t find a single goal despite winning numerous short corners.
They will be in dire need of the three points tomorrow to get their campaign going. While it’s still early days, successive defeats to direct title rivals is something Wananchi wouldn’t want.
Wananchi sit second last in the table standings.
