Kenya Police hockey coach Patrick Mugambi has said their 4-1 win against Sailors on Saturday was down to a tactical tweak and collective team effort.
The law enforcers recorded their second win of the season in the Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at the City Park Stadium.
A double from Titus Kimutai and a goal apiece from Kennedy Sibweche and Govan Mbeki saw the former league champions cruise to victory in the one-sided affair.
"The boys executed the game plan well. Tactically, the players were spot-on. It was important to beat Sailors because we drew twice against them last season, a result that ultimately cost us the title," Mugambi said.
"The players are in better shape. They are riding on confidence, especially after their exploits in the Vaisakhi tournament last month," he added.
Mugambi challenged Kimutai to step up his game in order to become the focal point of attack.
"Last season was not his best. The brace he scored reminds us of his quality. At his best, he's unplayable. He needs to take his game to the next level," Mugambi pointed out.
In other matches, United States International University USIU-A Mashujaa began their season on the wrong footing after firing blanks against Western Jaguars in their 2-0 loss.
Oscar Kibet and Job Wandera scored for the Kakamega-based side.
In the women's cadre, the Lakers inflicted Blazers their first loss of the season in Kisumu courtesy of a first-minute strike from Maurine Achieng.
