This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Blazers, the reigning Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League champions, are gearing up for an unprecedented title win in the weekend's league finale, despite facing a severe cash crunch.
Head coach Jos Openda attributed the team's success to the players' hard work, passion, discipline, and dedication, despite the financial crisis caused by Telkom's cancellation of its 25-year partnership with the team at the end of July this year.
Blazers have been without a sponsor since the partnership ended, but Openda remains optimistic, saying, 'Our players are dedicated, have passion, and are hard working despite the financial problems we are facing. We want to win the title on a high note.'
The unbeaten champions top the eight-team log with 32 points, with their closest rivals USIU sitting second with 28 points. Blazers will face USIU and Sliders on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, at the City Park Grounds.
With the Africa Club Championship scheduled for next month in Egypt, Openda has appealed to potential sponsors to come to the rescue of the cash-strapped team, saying, 'We are planning for a fund raiser to support our team and especially try keeping our young players by helping them pay college fees.'
Blazers have a rich history of success, having won their 10th record-extending continental title last year by defeating arch-rivals Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) 2-0 at the Abuja National Stadium in Nigeria.
