This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
Published on May 9, 2020, by AGNES MAKHANDIA, a renowned sports journalist.
Former Kenya women's hockey goalkeeper Josephine Ataro has expressed disappointment with the current crop of international players, accusing them of lacking commitment, passion, and a champions mentality.
Ataro, a two-decade veteran of the sport, believes the current players are not result-oriented and are in the team for the prestige of wearing the national team jersey.
Her sentiments come at a time when the Kenya women's hockey team is struggling, having failed to sparkle at the Olympic Games qualifiers in South Africa last year, finishing fourth out of five participating nations.
Ataro, who now coaches Loreto Convent Msongari, recalled her own experiences playing for the national team, including qualifying for the 1993 World Cup in Barcelona.
“When I attended some of their training sessions at City Park before major events, I could see there was really nothing to write home about. There was no seriousness at all. It is like they were there to pass time. They don’t know that putting on the national outfit is an honour and they should accord it the respect it deserves,” Ataro said.
Ataro expressed her frustration with the team's performance, saying it bothers her when other countries question why Kenya doesn't do well in international competitions.
However, she remains hopeful that the new technical bench, led by head coach Jackline Mwangi, can bring back the lost glory of the team.
