United States International University Mashujaa are keen to build on their 4-0 win over Parkroad Badgers in the men's hockey Premier League in a bid to boost their top four hopes.
The students were in their element as Justine Kiplimo and Happy Prismoi bagged a brace each to mark a perfect start to their second-leg exploits.
Coach John Kabuu was a relieved man after his charges scored more than three goals for the first time this season. Mashujaa have been dominant in matches, creating countless chances but conversion has been their Achilles heel.
"There was no better way to announce our return than suffocate Parkroad," Kabuu pointed out. The Jamleck Macharia-captained Mashujaa won the reverse fixture 2-0.
"The players impressed in every aspect. The team defended solidly, with exquisite and crisp passing in midfield and for the first time this season, we were clinical in front of goal. What we have been doing in training is finally paying off."
The win propelled Mashujaa into fourth place on the log with 14 points from 10 matches. Strathmore Gladiators and Western Jaguars who are fifth and sixth respectively have two games each in hand and have 13 points apiece.
Badgers remain ninth with six points and have conceded a total of 16 goals-the second highest in the division. The loss was Badgers' fifth in a row and eighth overall. Badgers' only pair of wins were against Mombasa Sports Club and Sailors.
"Ball movement and conversion worked for us. Most of the time we are a hard team to break but on the other end (attack), we have been wasteful."
Following the achievement, Kabuu has warned rivals that there's more to come from his hungry side that is finally flourishing. With matches coming thick and fast, he said the team can't rest on their laurels-tipping them to go unbeaten in the second leg.
"The bar is now set higher and the challenge is to produce results consistently. Let them (our rivals) know that we maximized the long break to rectify our weaknesses and we will tackle them confidently."
Mashajuu will take on Wazalendo this weekend.
