A change in defensive strategy has led to an upturn in form for Strathmore Gladiators in the men's hockey Premier League, coach Meshack Senge has revealed.
The 2016 champions have managed four points in their last two matches to move from eighth to fourth in the 10-team league with 17 points.
Brian Ogenche's goal was all that the student needed to annihilate Parkroad Badgers on Sunday to return to winning ways after registering a drab draw against Mashujaa last Thursday. Strath have registered two straight clean sheets for the first time this season.
Prior to that, Strath had lost five consecutive matches as their early season blistering form evaded the team.
"We had to adjust our defensive shape up after shifting 16 goals in seven matches. We needed stability and the last two results are a testament to how we have improved defensively," he said.
"The poor form also demoralized the confidence of the players. You know...confidence is the most difficult thing to sort out. The boys are still learning the trade this being the first season for most of them."
Senge hopes Strath can carry on and end the season on a high and better their current position. "I want them to be competitive against more experienced opposition as a mark of maturity but it must be one step at a time."
Butali Warriors maintained the top slot after hammering Badgers 5-0 to maintain an unbeaten run with 33 points from 13 matches.
The defending champions are nine points clear of second-placed Kenya Police who lost 2-0 to red-hot Western Jaguars in Kakamega. Jaguars are third with 23 points while Sailors and Mashujaa are fifth and sixth respectively with 16 points apiece.
Badgers and Mombasa sports club are ninth and 10th respectively and are likely to drop back to the Super League unless their performance improves.
In the women's category, faultless Scorpions have opened a seven-point gap at the top of the table. Scorpions have 22 points while Blazers have 15. The Lakers move to third after garnering six points over the weekend.
In the women's Super League, Kenyatta University Titans are likely to make a return to the Premier League after garnering 28 points to lead the way.
