Wazalendo attacking midfielder Sutcliffe Usagi feels they have what it takes to stop high-flyers Butali despite their struggles in the hockey Premier League.
The two sides are set to lock horns at the City Park Stadium Saturday evening amid contrasting fortunes.
While Butali lead the men's league with 26 points and are unbeaten after 10 matches, Wazlendo sit in the third position with 10 points from 11 matches.
Wazalendo are struggling defensively and have so far shipped in 18 goals. Their vulnerability at the back will be a cause for concern for coach John Njogu who will be keen to prevent a further rout.
"We have another opportunity to do what we love doing. We know all odds are against us and sometimes it's good to be treated as underdogs. I know we can raise to the occasion," Usagi opined.
"Entertainment will be in full swing from the start as we go all out for our first win of the second leg. We are lucky because the squad is fit but we have to keep it simple and play our game."
Usagi admitted that player unavailability led to inconsistency but they have to bounce back in a big way.
Wazalendo threw the first-quarter lead to draw 1-1 against Mashujaa in another lucklustre performance last weekend.
"We've been having difficulty in keeping a consistent squad all through the season and we've had to pay the prize. As a sportsman and as a team, you won't always be on top every day. A run of bad form, yes, but we will bounce back stronger."
He went on: "Wazalendo have kept a clean sheet before and we can do it against Butali. Wazalendo are one team that can offer the toughest challenge to their opponent on their day."
Usagi, a former Dedan Kimath University player, was crowned the HockeyKE player of the year in the inaugural awards two years ago after propelling Wazalendo to a second-place finish.
