9th June 2021
National Hockey League Fixtures
@National Hockey Stadium,
Lugogo
*10: 00 a.m – M.U.K vs Weatherhead
*1: 30 a.m – Weatherhead vs Rhinos (women)
*3: 00 p.m – City Lions vs KHC Originals
*4: 30 p.m – Weatherhead Vikings vs Rockets
With four wins from five games, City Lions have proved to be one of the most improved teams in the National Hockey League 2021 season and are now a threat to any side.
City Lions are currently fourth on the 10-team men’s table with 12 points, just like third placed Weatherhead HC and are only three points behind joint log leaders and Wananchi and Kampala HC.
They come up against debutants KHC Originals on Heroes Day (Wednesday, 9th June) at the National Hockey Stadium, Lugogo in a matchday six clash for both sides.
City Lions Captain Mohammad Ali believes that his side will emerge victorious on Heroes Day as they aim for ‘bigger things’ at the end of the campaign, though according to him, his side would have done much better in the previous games.
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“We do hold the believe that we shall win our game against KHC Originals. However, we’re not underestimating anyone but hope that we play as planned and that way we shall collect all the three points,” Ali said.
Last time out, City Lions condemned debutants MUBS to a 0-8 defeat while Originals shipped in 13 unanswered goals against men’s title holders Wananchi.
Albeit the win against MUBS, Ali insists that his side would have done even better especially in the first and second quarter.
“They (City Lions players) were over confident and relaxed and that made them do many mistakes though they bounced back in the third quarter and became perfect in the fourth,” Ali said adding that his side lacks coordination, something they are working on.
According to Ali, his side should be table toppers at the moment if they were ruthless infront of the goal.
“Our players still need to start scoring many goals in the games. Another thing is we need to learn the opponents and their capacity then execute it accordingly. Our players should learn to play games without using much of their energy against the clubs whom we can play tactically and focus to have much of the ball movements and D penetration, this enable us to gain more chances of scoring,” Ali noted.
Ali adds that his side are working to improve their have to ensure that everyone is up to speed with modern techniques of the game though not all the players can make it to the training due to works schedules and have follow and do drills online.
“I must say practice makes perfection and the players who are eager to learn will definitely attain required standards that will eventually get them into the national team. So it’s upto the players now to grow to get into the national team and also setup themselves for professional opportunities,” Ali concluded.
