FEASSSA Games: St. Charles Lwanga's 13-year preparation for clinching gold in hockey
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Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 04.08.25. | 16:47
For decades, Mombasa was never seen as a traditional hockey powerhouse but that narrative is, however, changing
When the St. Charles Lwanga Changamwe boys hockey team step onto the field in Kakamega for the 2025 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) Games, they will not just be chasing gold; they will be carrying the dreams of an entire region with them.
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For decades, Mombasa was never seen as a traditional hockey powerhouse. That narrative is, however, changing, and at the heart of it is Julius Masero — the man shaping the future of coastal hockey, one player at a time.
Masero’s team sealed their ticket to the East Africa School Games after a spirited run at the 2025 KSSSA Term One National Games.
They finished third nationally after beating Mpesa Foundation Academy 2-0 at Shanzu Teachers College, a result that was significant but bittersweet.
“We wanted to win the Nationals but fell short in the semis against Musingu due to a few early mistakes,” recalls Masero. “But we still maintained our rank from last year — now we’re looking forward to nothing but gold this time.”
St. Charles Lwanga’s rise has not been an overnight success. It has been years in the making, 13 to be precise, under the stewardship of Masero.
He speaks about the journey with a sense of pride and purpose. “We only conceded in one match out of 14 heading to Nationals. That tells you how consistent and disciplined this team has been.”
Under his watch, the school has won the Coast Region title eight times, bagged three national bronze medals, and in 2024, finished runners-up in East Africa - their best showing at the FEASSSA Games.
This year will mark the school’s third appearance at the regional competition after past editions in Lira (2013) and Mbale (2024), and now Kakamega (2025).
Masero’s program has become a vital talent hub for Kenyan hockey. He has developed over 200 players, with many plying their trade in the top tier.
The likes of Samuel Ngare, Andycole Ochieng, Moses Omondi, Stanley Obuya, Vincent Wesonga, and Hesbon Wesonga now feature for Daikyo Heroes in the KHU Premier League.
Others, like Josephat Ondijo at Strathmore University and Newton Mwangaza at Western Jaguars, Zuber Ahmedin and Paul Kililo in Mombasa West Hockey Club, are living proof of Lwanga’s impact.
Lwanga’s Role in Coastal Hockey Growth
What Masero has cultivated goes beyond medals. “At first, people didn’t believe Mombasa could do it, now St. Charles Lwanga is the feeder and academy of all Mombasa teams," said Masero.
"As we improve, others follow — like Daikyo Heroes to the Premier League, MSC Ladies to the Africa Club Championship.”
He credits this progress to the collaborative governance of the Mombasa County Hockey Association (MCHA) and its executive. “With good governance and support, hockey will not only be visible but more advanced in Mombasa.".
This grassroots approach has already taken root. Inspired by their national achievements, the school recently admitted 50 new players — 25 boys and 25 girls from Lwanga Primary, a sign that the next generation is being groomed early.
Ready for Kakamega
Unlike many teams that worry about their opponents, Masero’s focus is internal. “Competitors are just students like our team. Nothing to fear. We will push to the highest point,” he asserts confidently.
For him, motivation does not come from grand speeches; it is in showing up. “The time I spend with them in the field does everything. When I’m there, I’m just their motivation.”
He is proud of the evolution of the sport within the school. “This current squad has everything to perform, from equipment to exposure, more than previous teams,” he says.
That preparation, paired with the pain of narrowly missing gold in 2024, sets the stage for a big campaign this time around.
Vision Beyond the Touchline
Coach Masero’s philosophy is grounded in two things: excellence and impact. “I believe talent without education is nothing,” he notes, emphasising the importance of holistic development.
His dream? “To develop talent and instil a sense of responsibility in all the players. I want them to be good examples to the younger generation in both academics and talent.”
With over a decade of coaching experience and having walked the long road from regional hopefuls to national and regional contenders, Masero believes he is ready for the next step.
Kakamega Awaits
As the FEASSSA Games draw near, Masero remains grounded yet ambitious. His players are ready, the structures are stronger than ever, and Mombasa’s hockey community is watching with pride.
While the gold medal remains the clear target, what this team has already accomplished and continues to represent transcends the turf.
St. Charles Lwanga is no longer just a name on the fixtures list. It is a force. A movement. A story of what is possible when vision, hard work, and belief come together.
And as they head to Kakamega, one thing is certain: win or lose, Coach Julius Masero’s legacy is already written in bold, not just in medals, but in the lives changed by his relentless passion for the game.
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