Light at the end of the tunnel for hockey ethusiasts

There could be light at the end of the tunnel in as far as the resumption of the Kenya Hockey Union leagues is concerned after the federation's president Nashon Randiek revealed that plans were at an advanced stage to have action back soon. 

The union halted its activities in March last year after the first case of coronavirus was reported in the country and has twice shelved their plan to restart.

The body was forced to cut short their plan to resume late last year and watched their efforts to kick off the league in April go down the drain after the government suspended sporting activities for the second time.

The union had issued a circular to clubs directing them to start training in the first week of April as well as recruit players but were dealt a blow after President Uhuru Kenyatta halted sporting activities on March 25.

The presidential decree which lasted for almost two months saw all disciplines adjourn their activities but resumed after receiving the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine. 

Randiek disclosed that clubs will be allowed to return after showing proof that they have the capacity to meet the safety guidelines set by the Ministry of Sports.

With the majority of federation's already running their activities behind closed doors, the union chief attributed their delay to team's lack of sufficient resources to meet the guidelines which include testing the players after every two weeks.

"We have been ready to return to the pitch but the challenge has been testing the players in line with the directives from the government. We can not put the lives of our players and officials at risk. Most of the clubs did not have the resources to test their players after every two weeks but majority have shown they are able and thus, we shall begin soon even if it means playing the league in a tournament form. The fixtures are even ready, "he said.