L. MathekaFive Kenyan teams to compete in African hockey tourney in Nairobi
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 09.02.23. | 14:05
The competition has attracted teams from seven countries including hosts Kenya.
Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) has declared itself ready to host this year's Africa Cup Club Championships scheduled for 13 to 19 February.
The tournament has attracted 22 teams that will compete over the seven days at the Sikh Union Club. Twelve men's teams have entered the competition while the women's category has ten teams.
Kenya will be represented by first time women's league champions Strathmore University Scorpions, former champions Blazers and Kisumu-based Lakers.
The men's competition will, however, see only two teams representing the country with champions Butali and second-placed Police HC landing said slots.
"We had requested for the chance to field a third Kenyan men's team but that was not possible. Requirements for the championship dictate that the fixtures provide for a rest day for individual teams and one full day rest for the tournament and that would have been a problem with more than 12 teams. That forced us to have the third Kenyan team removed, although previously approved. There is still a slim chance they could feature if all the registered teams do not make the trip," KHU chairperson Nashon Randiek explained.
Kenya landed the hosting rights late December last year. The rights were first given to Malawi and later on to South Africa, both countries declining to host and Kenya accepted to host.
"The short notice for the hosting rights meant that we could not approach the government for financial assistance as this was not part of our annual calendar of events. We have, however, managed to swim through the challenges and the tournament will be held," Randiek added.
Nigeria is expected to field four teams, same as Ghana and Uganda while Egypt has three while Zimbabwe and Tanzania will be represented by a team each.
