Simba can’t afford more slip-ups in MPL league

KAMPALA.

This weekend presents Simba, on 14 points in 10 games, with a chance to better last season’s run-in, which ended with them finishing third, from second, in the MPL National Hockey League.
Captain Muhammad Ali believes the league committee’s decision to postpone two of Simba’s third round games, against leaders Wananchi and bottom placed Rockets, from last month to this weekend has impacted on their form.
Fair assessment, maybe, but Simba’s shortcomings when it comes to consistency in getting results and keeping the squad intact are also very glaring.

However, they will relish the prospect of having these encounters when they know how their competitors are placed in the five team log.
“We want to win these two games and give ourselves a chance to fight for second place in the fourth round,” Ali said.
Simba started their third round with an inspiring 3-2 win over second placed Weatherhead (21 points) and then had a three week’s break before losing 6-2 to Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) Stallions on October 1.
“Our side is a bit inexperienced so we couldn’t compete at the same level with a team playing every week,” Ali added.
So will the lull between October 1 and tomorrow, only interrupted by the Independence Open a fortnight ago come back to bite?
Simba will hope not as they seek solace in the fact that this weekend’s opponents Rockets and Weatherhead didn’t participate play during the Independence holiday.

Rockets have only one point in 11 games and a loss today will condemn them to a rock bottom place finish for the second straight season.

"We don't want to finish last again but our results haven't done us any justice. There are games we felt we deserved to win but that is in the past," Rockets captain Victor Twijukye said, amidst promises his team will give opponents a tough run in the final five games.
Today at Lugogo
M: Simba v Rockets, 4pm
Tomorrow at Lugogo
W: Swans v Deliverance, 2pm
M: Simba v Wananchi, 4pm