Hockey champions appeal for funds ahead of African tourney
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 25.12.24. | 17:23
Jaguars have experienced a steady rise in the national league, reaching the podium in the last three seasons
Western Jaguars, the reigning Kenya Hockey Premier League champions, have taken to social media to appeal for financial assistance as the team prepares to represent the country at the upcoming African Club Championship (ACCC) in Port Said, Egypt.
The Kakamega-based outfit clinched their maiden national title in November but were crowned on 3 December. With the feat comes an invitation to the 2025 African tourney where they will seek to improve on their silver from last year.
“We are proud to announce that Western Jaguars Hockey Club the 2024 Kenya Hockey Union Premier League Champions, have been honored with an invitation to represent Kenya at the prestigious Africa Cup of Club Championships (ACCC) in Port Said, Egypt, from 30th January to 7th February 2025. To make this dream a reality, we need your support. The tournament costs a total of Ksh6 million. We kindly request your donations to help us showcase the Kenyan talent on the continental stage. (sic),” the appeal reads in part.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, one of the club officials Conrad Mandela, says the club is eager to make the trip to the North African country where they will look to go one better than last year.
“We are excited to make a return to the African stage, this time with a bit more experience from previous appearances and a motivated squad that is keen to bring glory to the country,” Mandela said, adding that any assistance accorded the side will be appreciated.
The side gained promotion to the top-tier league in 2007 and while they struggled initially, coming close to relegation in the 2017/18 seasons, before bouncing right back for fourth in the 2019 season.
When action returned after the Covid-19-occasioned break, Jaguars continued their steady growth, reaching the national league podium for the first time in 2022 where they won bronze. They moved a place higher in 2023 before their maiden title this season.
In their second year on the African stage last year, the side reached the final, falling to North African giants Sharkia from Egypt who defended their men's title in a 4-1 outcome at the National Hockey Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi.
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