Hockey Uganda Cup

Men: Wananchi 4 KHC Stallions 1

Women: DCU 2 Weatherhead Gazelles 0

Deliverance Church of Uganda (DCU) captain Lucky Akello commended her side’s teamwork, which paid off as they became double champions in the Hockey Uganda Cup to go with the National Hockey League title.

Akello, whose side got into the final after knocking out last season’s champions Wananchi, was surprised that the final against Weatherhead Gazelles was stretched to the last quarter where they got the two goals to secure the title.

“We exhibited the highest form of teamwork at our highest and lowest points hence being able to come out victorious this season,” Akello said.

She made the remarks on Saturday evening sports complex after the hockey Uganda cup finals where DCU   beat debutants Weatherhead Gazelles in the women's finals.

Saturday’s final played at the national hockey stadium in Lugogo looked like an obvious win for newly crowned league champions DCU on paper but it swiftly turned into a slog for both teams with the first three quarters going goalless.

DCU narrowly survived falling behind to the Gazelles who seemed to be in no rush to score goals despite the numerous chances they created but wasted.

However, DCU regrouped in the fourth quarter and Anent Muwonge broke the deadlock followed by Sharon Oroma’s strike to seal the win.

Wananchi receives their league title from Uganda Baati officials. Photo by Charles Lwanga

A young and shell-shocked Gazelles team had to defend well from that point to avoid conceding even more.

DCU head coach James Akweri attributed the season’s performance to the discipline and focus of his players to erase the bad memories of the previous season.

“We had team bonding sessions off the pitch which greatly bonded the team as a unit and this was displayed on the pitch as the players were always working as a team to get the job done,” Akweri noted.

His side lost both titles to Wananchi last season and he vowed to come back stronger and put up a masterclass show this season and he has lived up to his word.

In the men’s category, Wananchi beat Kampala Hockey Club Stallions to also clinch a double.

Uganda Olympic Committee president of Donald Rukare and officials from Uganda Baati graced the event.