On song USIU-A men train guns on Daikyo Heroes in KHU weekend highlight
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 19.06.25. | 14:20
With no German exchange programme interrupting their roster this season, the varsity side has retained key players, a stability Kabuu says is now bearing fruit
United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) men have emerged as the team to watch in the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Premier League, producing a stunning run of form that has not only re-energized their campaign but also sent a strong message to title contenders.
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After humiliating KCA University 8-0, beating Strathmore University 1-0, and pulling off a remarkable 6-1 win over former champions Butali Warriors, USIU-A are brimming with confidence as they prepare to face Daikyo Heroes this Saturday, 21 June, at the USIU Grounds.
Speaking ahead of the match, USIU-A coach John Kabuu attributed the team’s recent success to discipline, tactical flexibility, and the invaluable experience gained during continental assignments.
“We keep trying, we keep working on our principles, game structures, and strategies,” said Kabuu. “A bunch of these players were part of the team that went to Egypt for the Africa Cup for Club Champions, and that experience has really helped the team, and it is paying off now.”
According to Kabuu, in their match against Butali Warriors, they deployed a half-press system with deadly counterattacks, which tore apart Butali’s backline.
“Most of their defenders could not match the pace of our players. But you cannot rely on the same strategy for every match. We take each game on its merit. For Daikyo Heroes, we will use a different approach suited to how they play," he explained.
Despite their dominance across all areas of the field - defensively, in midfield, and attack, Kabuu highlighted an area that still needs improvement: set pieces.
“We have to really work on penalty corners. That is one area we have not been clinical enough, and I believe part of the reason is that we train on murram but compete on astro. The transition affects execution," he went on.
With no German exchange programme interrupting their roster this season, USIU-A have retained key players like Danstone Wabwire and James Mwangi throughout, a stability Kabuu says is now bearing fruit.
“The mindset is high, and the team is optimistic. But we must take it one game at a time,” he emphasized.
The clash between USIU-A and Daikyo Heroes headlines a busy weekend of top-tier hockey action across Nairobi and beyond.
In the women’s Premier League, Sliders will battle Kisumu Queens on Saturday, 21 June, while Mombasa Sports Club Ladies take on Lakers. Sikh Union Nairobi welcome Western Jaguars at Dashmesh Stadium in the men’s Premier League.
On Sunday, Amira Sailors take on Lakers while Kisumu Queens return to action against Mombasa Sports Club Ladies. Kenya Police will take on Western Jaguars at Mathare Depot, while Strathmore University Men square off with Daikyo Heroes at Dashmesh.
Full Weekend Fixtures
Saturday, 21 June
11:00 AM – Sliders vs Kisumu Queens (PLW)
1:00 PM – MSC Ladies vs Lakers (PLW)
3:00 PM – USIU-A Men vs Daikyo Heroes (PLM)
3:00 PM – Sikh Union Nairobi vs Western Jaguars (PLM)
Sunday, 22 June
9:00 AM – Amira Sailors vs Lakers (PLW)
9:00 AM – Kisumu Queens vs MSC Ladies (PLW)
11:00 AM – Kenya Police vs Western Jaguars (PLM)
3:00 PM – Strathmore University Men vs Daikyo Heroes (PLM)
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