United States International University Spartans coach Willis Okeyo wants the Kenya Hockey Union to be considerate when releasing fixtures for fairness and equality.
The veteran Kenya Police versatile midfielder said there's no need of allowing teams to play back-to-back matches in one weekend and starve players of action for three weeks.
Spartans are playing their first matches after a six-month break this weekend against Amira Sailors and Wolverines. They last played on April 10, where they beat the Lakers 1-0. Wolverines have played one match while Sailors have competed in three fixtures since the league resumed last month.
"Why play back-to-back games and rest for three weeks or even more?"Okeyo popped up.
"Players need to play week in, week out. One fixture a week is better than what we are currently witnessing. Players need consistency. No excuses but some teams have had favourable fixtures and their matches are well-spaced. Others have been disadvantaged and we need a level playing ground for healthy competition."
Okeyo jetted back to the country from a professional stint in Germany on Monday. The international player added that they are banking on the university games to get a result this weekend in order to keep up pressure on leaders Strathmore Scorpions.
Scorpions lead the seven-team league with 18 points, having maintained their 100 percent record after six matches. Spartans have only played three games to lie fourth with seven points and are yet to lose.
However, they will take it one game at a time to take the pressure off the players.
"We expect tough but tricky matches considering we have been out of action for a long time. The university league has been on so that could be a revelation for us. We have to approach it on a game-by-game basis."
"Collecting maximum points will enable us to close the gap and put pressure on Scorpions. This is the season where we are likely going to see a new champion being crowned and we want to be part of the party and history," Okeyo warned.
