Wolverines coach Dennis Owoka expects a stern test against Sailors on April 10 after a slim 1-0 win over Kenyatta University Titans in the women's hockey Premier League match at the City Park Stadium on Sunday.
Owoka, the former title-winning tactician with defending champions in the men's cadre Butali Warriors, said low fitness levels remain an issue. He added that Cynthia Amuu's 10th-minute all-important goal is a morale booster to the team ahead of the Sailor's 'pivotal' clash at the same venue.
"Three points in the first match is not a bad return. The new signings are still bedding into the team but displayed glimpses of what is to come from them once they have fully settled. We now have the depth that was lacking previously," the experienced gaffer said.
He continued: "We face an arduous task against Sailors and we have to be at our best considering our rivals have recruited quality players. It is hard to recover in less than 24 hours. Fitness is a letdown for us because we don't train together as a team.
"We played well in the first quarter but ran out of gas in the second half. Had it not been for the goalkeeper, we would have lost the match."
Wolverines failed to double their lead in the last quarter after losing a penalty. Owoka was quick to commend the Titans for letting their presence be felt in the match. "KU looked orgainsed and were the better side honestly."
His opposite number, Richard Wandera blamed profligacy for the loss. Wandera challenged the students to work on their finishing ahead of the derby match against the University of Nairobi in the next fortnight.
"The slow start was detrimental for the team. I think the girls had butterflies having just come back to the league," Wandera observed.
"We spent three-quarters of the match in their half but we failed to find a breakthrough after spanning countless chances. We have to rediscover the finishing touch that saw us score for fun in the Super League. UoN's match is in two weeks' time. We have to win at all costs since it will be our last match before the players break for the long holiday."
Elsewhere, defending champions Strathmore Scorpions lost 2-1 against record champions, Blazers despite scoring first.
Diana Awino gave the Scorpions the lead in the 30th minute but the Blazers responded through Georgina Lumumba and Terry Juma to secure maximum points.
In the women's Super League, Sliders, who were relegated last season from the top tier drubbed newbies Tigress 6-0 to lay bare their ambitions early on for an immediate return to the big stage.
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