Resounding victory for orange: Vaisakhi defending champs begin title retention campaign with big win

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU

Orange Lucy Wangeci (left) shields Sliders’ Elizabeth Maina during their Vaisakhi Top 8 tournament opening tie at the City Park, yesterday.  [PHOTO: JENNIFER WACHIE / STANDARD]

Annual Vaisakhi tournament defending champions Orange Telkom began their title retention campaign on a high with a resounding 8-0 victory against Sliders.

The African queens fresh from retaining the women’s national title were no match for Sliders.

Former Strathmore midfielder Lilian Aura scored a brace in her debut match with the African queens.

In men’s contest, Nairobi Simba defeated Karate Axiom 1-0.

Aura told FeverPitch that it was good to play for the winning team and she hopes to lift the trophy with Orange. “I am glad to be with Orange. It is good to be in a winning team,” she said.

Aura also said she wants to grow her hockey career, win the African title and the national title in her first season with the six times continental champs. “I want to grow my hockey career and Orange is a strong club that will offer me that opportunity to achieve my objectives.”

Orange coach Jacqueline Apiyo said the victory is a good start for them and Aura is a big boost to the club as she is a good player.

good start

 “The victory is a good start for our title defence; Aura is a playmaker and a big boost to our club, we are glad to have her services.”

Veteran Terry Juma opened the score in the 12th minute converting a penalty corner nicely pushed by margaret Rotich.

Hellen Chemtai was undoubtedly the star of the match as she beat Sliders goalkeeper Flavian Amuhaya four times.

Chemtai converted a penalty corner in the 18th minute to make it two for the champions.

She added her second a minute later scoring a fantastic field goal from a Barbara Simiyu pass. Chemtai displayed her scoring prowess with another field goal in the 20th minute making it three goals in a span of three minutes.

National team player Audrey Omaido made it five for the defending champions in the 25th minute through a field goal.

Aura scored her first goal of her new club in the 31st minute with her second coming in the 34th minute. Chemtai was at it again in the 39th minute scoring the winner for the three-time Vaisakhi champions.

Today Nairobi Simba will take on Wazalendo while Greensharks will have face Wazee –– a veterans side. Strathmore Gladiators will play Parkroad.

In the women’s category, Young Rovers will have Strathmore University Scorpions to reckon with in their first round robin match.

Foreign teams that have already confirmed their participation are Ghana Customs of Ghana, Moshi CSSL of Tanzania and Kampala Simba of Uganda.

They will join the completion at the knockout stage and are expected to give the hosts a run for their money. Men’s defending champions Kenya Police are not taking part in the tournament.