This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
The national hockey teams left the country on Saturday for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Africa qualifiers, a weeklong championship that starts on Monday at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town.
Coaches from both teams exuded confidence in their teams' chances of posting good results in the tournament.
Men's head coach Meshack Senge, who has experience in the national team system, promised a different show altogether, stating, 'We are not just going to participate but stake a serious acclaim there. We train to win and for sure we are going for improved results by placing the best foot forward.'
The men's team is hoping to qualify for the Summer Olympics for the first time since 1988 Seoul, having finished third during the Africa qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Goalkeepers: Simon Odhiambo (Nairobi Simba), Prince Omollo (Parkroad Badgers)
Defenders: Robert Masibo, Constant Wakhura (Butali Warriors), Paul Omariba (Strathmore), John Rioba (Wazalendo), Obare Otora (Greensharks), Ken Munialo (Wazalendo)
Midfielders: Franklin Wahongo (Strathmore), Ivan Ludiali (Western Jaguars), Moses Ademba (Butali Warriors), Francis Kariuki (Butali Warriors), Willis Okeyo (Kenya Police)
Forwards: Festus Onyango (Strathmore), Douglas Nyerere (Sailors), Dunston Baraza (Wazalendo), Arnold Marango (KCA), Amos Barkibir (Butali Warriors)
Women's head coach Tom Olal added that they are aware of the challenge posed by South Africa, stating, 'We are shall be facing players who are full professional but the players believe in themselves.'
Goalkeepers: Nouvelle Becca Ochia Awino (USIU), Cynthia Akinyi (Telkom)
Defenders: Beatrice Mbugua (USIU), Anne Wanjiru (Strathmore), Flavia Mutiva (Telkom), Lucy Wangeci (Telkom)
Midfielders: Grace Makokha Akumu (USIU), Harriette Omindi (USIU), Caroline Guchu (Telkom), Tracy Karanja (Telkom), Leah Omwadho (Amira), Lillian Aura (Telkom)
Forwards: Rhoda Kuira (USIU), Gilly Okumu (Strathmore), Maureen Okumu (Telkom), Alice Aoko Owiti (Lakers), Ruth Adhiambo (Strathmore)
