Varsity side Chuka Trojans' long journey to achieving KHU National League promotion
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Reading Time: 6min | Wed. 20.05.26. | 12:04
Trojan’s emergence reflects the gradual spread of the sport into new institutions and regions, particularly through university competitions and grassroots tournaments.
When the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) 2026 season begins on Saturday, 23 May, one of the new names entering the National League will carry more than just the excitement of competition.
For Chuka University Hockey Team, popularly known as Trojans, their debut season represents years of sacrifice, persistence and belief in building hockey beyond Kenya’s traditional powerhouses.
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For head coach Tony Rono, the club’s entry into the KHU men’s National League is not simply another registration into the domestic structure. It is a milestone built from determination, alumni support and the gradual growth of a university programme that started from humble beginnings.
“This is a historic moment, not just for the active players in this team, but also for the Trojan Alumni who sacrificed a lot to see this through,” says Rono. “Chuka University Trojans joining the National League is a statement that hockey is alive and growing beyond the traditional strongholds.”
Traditionally, Kenyan hockey has largely revolved around established regions such as Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa. But the Trojan’s emergence reflects the gradual spread of the sport into new institutions and regions, particularly through university competitions and grassroots tournaments.
For the players, many of whom have balanced lectures, assignments and training sessions throughout the journey, the league debut validates years of commitment.
“It puts us on the national map in a sport that demands discipline, teamwork and excellence,” says Rono. “We don’t take that lightly.”
Unlike established clubs with long histories and stable structures, the Trojans’ journey began with little more than passion for the game.
“It started from almost nothing,” recalls Rono. “A group of passionate students and Trojan Alumni who loved hockey came together, and we had to build everything.”
The process involved recruiting players, sourcing funds, finding training facilities and creating a culture that could sustain competitive hockey within a university environment. The team first sharpened itself through local and regional tournaments as well as Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) competitions before eventually making the leap into league hockey.
“Once we felt we had the structure, the numbers and the competitive readiness, we approached KHU and went through the registration process,” says Rono.
That process, however, was far from straightforward.
Like many emerging sports programmes in Kenyan universities, Trojans have had to navigate recurring financial challenges.
“Resources were the number one challenge,” explains Rono. “Registration fees and transportation funds are an unending issue, and hockey is an equipment-intensive sport.”
Maintaining continuity has also proven difficult due to the realities of university life, where players graduate or leave school after short cycles.
“Players come and go each academic year, so building continuity is always a challenge,” he says.
There were moments where the project nearly stalled completely, particularly when raising registration funds seemed impossible. Yet instead of allowing setbacks to derail progress, the team used them as motivation.
“As a coach, I used those setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to quit.”
Support from the university administration has gradually improved as the programme has grown. According to Rono, the institution has increasingly recognised hockey as an important part of campus sports development.
“We have received support for travel to competitions and recognition of hockey as an official university sport,” he says.
While the programme still lacks some of the facilities and resources enjoyed by established clubs, Rono believes the foundation is now in place for sustainable growth.
As they prepare for life in the National League, Trojans are determined to establish a distinct identity both on and off the pitch.
“We want to be known as a team that plays with passion, unity and intelligence,” says Rono.
The coach envisions a side built on work rate, tactical discipline and character rather than reputation alone.
“We want our opponents to know that when they face Chuka Trojans, they are in for a solid contest.”
That mentality has shaped the team’s preparation ahead of what will undoubtedly be a demanding first season. National League hockey presents a major step up from university tournaments in terms of physicality, pace and tactical complexity.
“National League hockey is on a different level from KUSA competitions,” admits Rono. “We have been honest with the players about what to expect.”
In response, the coaching staff has intensified physical conditioning programmes while organising friendly matches and tournament appearances to expose players to higher-level competition.
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“We have been attending tournaments and playing friendlies for exposure and readiness.”
One of the defining realities of university sports is the constant balancing act between academics and sports. For Trojans, managing that balance has been a central part of the programme’s culture.
“We always remind the players that they are students first,” says Rono.
Training schedules are structured around academic timetables, while workloads are reduced during examination periods to ensure players remain focused on their studies.
“The players deserve credit because they have shown tremendous maturity in managing both,” he says.
Rono believes the discipline required in competitive sport has actually helped some players improve academically as well.
“That dual commitment is something we are proud of.”
Although Chuka Trojans will enter the league as newcomers, there have already been indicators that the squad can compete.
Rono points to the team’s consistent appearances at the KUSA Nationals over the past three years as evidence of steady progress. The side also reached the final of the Kenyatta University Open Tournament, performances that reinforced belief within the camp.
“Those are key indicators for team readiness,” he says.
Equally important has been the team’s response to setbacks during preseason preparations.
“Seeing the players respond positively after difficult losses and come back stronger told me a lot about the character within the squad.”
Despite the excitement surrounding their National League debut, Trojans are approaching the season with measured expectations.
“We are coming in with a development mindset,” says Rono. “But that does not mean we are coming to make up the numbers.”
The immediate focus is on being competitive, developing players and earning respect within the league structure rather than chasing instant promotion.
“If we can compete in most fixtures and continue building a strong foundation, that will already be a success,” he explains.
Long-term, the vision is far bigger than one season.
Rono hopes the club can become a lasting force within Kenyan hockey while inspiring greater interest in the sport within the region.
“We want to build a foundation that makes Chuka Trojans a consistent force in hockey for years to come.”
As the 2026 season approaches, the message from the coach to students, alumni and supporters is one rooted in pride and possibility.
“This team is doing it for you,” he says. “We are carrying the Chuka Trojans name into a national arena, and we intend to make everyone proud.”
For a programme that started with little more than passion and persistence, Trojans’ entry into the National League is already a significant achievement. The next challenge now lies in proving they belong there.