Sugar Warrriors sharpen their arsenal ahead of title defence

Kenya Hockey Union League champions Butali Sugar Warriors have brought on board three new players as they brace for their title defence in the new season.

The new signings are attacking midfielder Francis Kariuki who joins the club from Strathmore University Gladiators, and the defensive duo of Dave Makori from Kenyatta University and Arif Shah who rejoins the club after a one-year loan stint at Nairobi Simba.

The champions reported to pre-season training on Sunday at the Parklands Sports Club with 13 players including the new signings taking  part in a light work-out session.

Head coach Dennis Owoka said the team opted for early pre-season to get in good shape as they bid to defend the title they won last term and also post impressive results at the 2019 Africa Cup for Club Championships (ACCC).

“On Sunday we had our first light training which was more of a familiarity session where we got to interact with the three new players. On Tuesday and over the weekend we expect to start serious sessions,” Owoka told Citizen Digital.

Owoka said they have kept intact the title-clinching squad and are still on the lookout for additional reinforcements, particularly in the striking department.

The Warriors were crowned last season’s champions after dethroning Kenya Police 2-1 in a dramatic match on the last day of the season that saw them clinch the title on goal difference after they tied with Police on 60 points.