Late drama, statement wins and tough returns mark explosive KHU opening weekend
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 25.05.26. | 22:00
The biggest drama of the weekend, however, came in the clash between Warriors and Wazalendo
The 2026 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Premier League season burst into life over the weekend with dramatic comebacks, statement victories and difficult returns for some of the newly promoted sides across the men’s and women’s top-tier leagues.
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Defending men’s champions Warriors needed a late rescue act to avoid defeat against Wazalendo Hockey Club in one of the standout matches of the opening round, while newly promoted Green Sharks endured a painful return to the top tier with back-to-back defeats.
In Kakamega, promoted side Kisumu Youngstars saw their impressive momentum from the Super League halted after suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Western Jaguars at Eregi TTC.
Youngstars had started brightly and took the lead in the 10th minute through Ketane Okoth, but Jaguars responded strongly with Ivan Ludiali levelling matters in the 21st minute before Godfrey Fedha struck the winner in the 55th minute to hand the hosts all three points.
At Parklands Sports Club, Green Sharks’ long-awaited return to the Premier League quickly turned difficult after a 2-0 defeat against Parklands Sports Club. Erick Kidwaro opened the scoring in the 29th minute before William Kirwa sealed the win in the second half.
Things worsened for Green Sharks on Sunday when Sikh Union Nairobi edged them 1-0 courtesy of Cliff Omari’s strike, condemning the returning side to consecutive defeats in their first weekend back in the Premier League after two seasons in the Super League.
The biggest drama of the weekend, however, came in the clash between Warriors and Wazalendo.
Wazalendo stunned the defending champions early after Job Wandera opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Michael Mboya doubled the advantage in the 27th minute.
Warriors responded through Festus Onyango’s penalty corner in the 34th minute, but Mathew Momanyi restored Wazalendo’s two-goal cushion shortly after halftime.
The defending champions, however, mounted a late comeback, pulling one back two minutes later before Franklin Wakhongo struck in the final minute to salvage a dramatic 3-3 draw for the champions.
Warriors’ difficult opening weekend continued on Sunday when they were again held, this time in a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Kenya Police. Calvin Omondi scored for Warriors while Robert Masibo found the net for Police in another tightly contested encounter.
In the women’s Premier League, defending champions Lakers Hockey Club Ladies were also frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Kisumu Queens in the lakeside derby at Kisumu Simba.
Elsewhere, Blazers Hockey Club emerged as one of the early pace setters after securing two impressive victories across the weekend.
Blazers opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Kenyatta University Ladies, courtesy of goals from Joan Ajao and Vivian Onyango, before following it up with a dominant 3-0 victory against Amira Sailors.
Audrey Omaido, Joan Ajao and Amanda Ijai were all on target as Blazers underlined their intentions early in the campaign.
Amira Sailors, however, had started their season strongly after narrowly defeating newly promoted University of Nairobi Ladies, popularly known as Vigilantes, 1-0 on Saturday through Yvette Kanyandong’s 29th-minute goal.
Vigilantes responded impressively on Sunday by securing their first win since returning to the top tier, defeating Strathmore University 2-1.
Noela Kimathi and Clementine Sims scored for Vigilantes while Nicole Joy netted Strathmore’s consolation goal.
Elsewhere, USIU-A Ladies handed another promoted side, JKUAT Ladies, a difficult welcome to the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 victory through goals from Lyn Mwangi and Grace Makokha.
Strathmore University Ladies and USIU-A Ladies had earlier played to a barren draw on Saturday, while Kenyatta University Ladies and Sliders Hockey Club shared points in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Weekend Results
Men’s Premier League
Western Jaguars 2-1 Kisumu Youngstars
Parklands Sports Club 2-0 Green Sharks
Warriors 3-3 Wazalendo Hockey Club
Sikh Union Nairobi 1-0 Green Sharks
Warriors 1-1 Kenya Police
Women’s Premier League
Blazers 2-0 Kenyatta University
Strathmore University 0-0 USIU-A
Amira Sailors 1-0 University of Nairobi
Lakers 0-0 Kisumu Queens
Kenyatta University 1-1 Sliders
Blazers 3-0 Amira Sailors
University of Nairobi 2-1 Strathmore University
USIU-A 2-0 JKUAT