United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Mashujaa ended the first leg matches on a high to maintain the top spot on the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men’s Premier League table.

USIU-A, who are eyeing their maiden league title, beat Daikyo Heroes 3-2 to register their seventh win of the season. With the victory, Mashujaa who are having a great season now have 22 points, four more than second-placed former champions Butali Warriors, who were not in action. Mashujaa have accumulated their points from seven wins, a draw and a loss.

Reigning champions Western Jaguars moved three places up to third place after garnering four points in their weekend trip to Nairobi. They played to a 3-3 draw against 2012 champions Nairobi Sikh Union, then thrashed Kenya Police 5-3 to register their fourth victory. They have 14 points from seven matches.

Jaguars coach Michael Malungu said that they are gradually improving and hope to end the first leg in the top three.

“So far so good, we are making good progress, especially with the younger, inexperienced players. We are now in the top three with two first-leg matches in hand, and we aim to win so we can finish in the top three and build on that in the second leg,” Malungu said.

Wazalendo Hockey Club are fourth, tied on 12 points with fifth-placed Sikh Union.

Wazalendo have played seven matches, won three, drawn three and lost one, while Sikh Union have garnered their points from eight outings and have lost two.

Kenya Police, who are having a tough season, have only won two out of their nine first-leg matches. They are sixth with 10 points from two wins, four draws and three losses.

Former titleholders Strathmore University Gladiators bounced back from a string of losses to beat debutants Daikyo 2-0 to chalk up their second win. The victory saw them move out of the relegation zone to seventh place.