United States International University USIU-A Spartans have put their house in order after a turbulent season and are ready for the season opener against the University of Nairobi in the Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League on Saturday.
Head coach Willis Okeyo said complacency was the team's major undoing last season when they finished fourth.
Players' poor form was also a factor but Okeyo, who plays for Kenya Police in the top tier, reckons the students have learnt their lessons and have a point to prove.
"We have to give our all to ensure we win against UoN on Saturday," Okeyo said.
"The attack was wasteful and most of the players dipped in form so it was a really tough season. We have retained the same squad and the target is to take one game at a time. We have also replaced Rhoda Kuira with Naomi Kemunto so the team is set."
Defending women champions Strathmore Scorpions face UoN and immediate former champions Blazers over the weekend.
The Scorpions are riding on high confidence after winning the Kenya University Sports Association games title last weekend in Eldoret. UoN, the league's newbies, hope for a successful outing in the two fixtures.
Kenyatta University Titans, who were promoted from the Super League in an unbeaten run, will hope to pick up from where they left off when they tackle Wolverines.
In the men's category, Greensharks face a Herculean task against defending champions Butali Warriors.
Greensharks must shed off last season's inconsistency. Work-related commitment deprived them bench power and even the team struggled to raise enough players for the matchday squad, something captain Victor Osiche complained about throughout.
Fireworks is expected in this encounter with Butali's worrisome attack expected to pose problems to Sharks' backline.
Another pulsating encounter sees 2019 runners-up Wazalendo settle scores with Sailors.
In the men's Super League matches, Multimedia University entertain Kenya University, Parkroad Badgers have a date with Parklands Sports Club and Daikyo Heroes tackle Mombasa Sports Club.
