Wananchi, DCU win Open

KAMPALA. Wananchi (men) won their first Weatherhead Hockey Open since 2013 after collecting nine points in four games over the weekend at Lugogo.
The side, that only confirmed their entry into the tournament after it had kicked off, had been looking for their revenge on Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) Stallions for over two months.

KHC had defeated them 2-1 in the Easter Cup final but Wananchi, who were fortunate to recall prodigal sons David Onenchan, Emmanuel Owani and Joshua Gumisiriza, regained some pride when they beat the 2014 and 2015 winners 1-0 on Sunday to regain this Open.
“We are still struggling in our performances but well we have a trophy now and that’s what matters,” Kenyan midfielder Kevin Chimwani, said after they beat Simba to the trophy by goal difference of seven.

Meanwhile, Kakungulu Memorial won all their matches in the boys and girls categories to retain their schools trophies but the rather wise decision to let institutions participate left dents in different club squads.
From the weekend’s events, it is increasingly evident that no club would survive without school players.
The few individuals left of Wananchi Ladies joined Deliverance Church and helped them to their first ever trophy while at some point Rockets played with seven players.
KHC Stallions also had to make-do with a smaller squad while Weatherhead Jaguars couldn’t represent as the whole team turns out for Most Disciplined Team Kololo SS.

MVPs
Girls: Siddy Alum (Kakungulu)
Boys: Shafiq Muleme (Kakungulu)
Ladies: Lucy Akello (Deliverance Church)
Men: Derrick Akuwa (Wananchi)
Top scorers
Girls: Doreen Mbabazi (Kakungulu – goals)
Boys: B. Mkapa (Namilyango – 3 goals)
Ladies: J. Andika (Weatherhead – 4 goals)
Men: J. Gumisiriza (Wananchi – 4 goals)
Best goalkeepers
Girls: Madinah Nakiyiwa (Kakungulu)
Boys: Richard Kaijuka (Kakungulu)
Ladies: Shakira Namboze (Deliverance).

mmuziransa@ug.nationmedia.com