Kenya Hockey Union President Nashon Randiek leads the federation in unveiling the national team/ CHARLENE MALWA
Kenya will use the Africa Cup of Nations tournament slated for next week in Ismailia, Egypt, as a build-up for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the next African Games.
The tournament is scheduled for October 11-18, with the team set to depart the country on October 8 or 9, subject to the availability of funds. Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) president Nashon Randiek said preparations have been tough as the squads have had to train under constraints.
Randiek spoke when he unveiled both men's and women's teams ahead of the competition at City Park Stadium. “This team has sacrificed with minimal financial support,” he said.
“We pay 7,000 at the Sikh Union per hour. Whatever cost we have to meet comes from the union. The government has emphasised cost-sharing, so we have to take up that challenge. We will do our best just as we did with the national U-21 team.”
Randiek said Kenya will now set its sights on Egypt with the tournament doubling as both a continental test and the first major step in a four-year journey towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the next African Games.
He confirmed that both squads will leave once ready, with 25 per cent of accommodation already settled. “We have faith that the team will leave between October 8 and 9,” he said, adding that several U21 players who featured in Namibia have been integrated into the senior set-up.
“We are looking at short and long-term goals for the national team as we target the Olympics and African Games. The four-year plan begins with the Egypt tournament," he noted.
Randiek added: "Our players are ageing, so we have a programme to nurture the youth in the national team. We have seasoned old players who range between 25–30. If someone is serious, they can make it to the Olympics at 21–24.”
The Kenya Ladies Team will be captained by Strathmore defender Lynne Tamunai, assisted by Blazers’ Vivian Onyango. Goalkeepers are Rebecca Nasambu of Strathmore and Quinter Okore of Lakers.
Others are Defence: Vivian Onyango, Lynne Tamunai, Rachael Khamala, Vanessa Sudi, Diana Bariti (Strathmore) and Joan Anjiao (Blazers)
Defensive midfielders: Grace Akumu (USIU), Maureen Achieng (Lakers) and Caroline Guchu (Blazers); Attacking midfielders: Eleanor Chebet, Maureen Okumu (Blazers), Alice Owiti (Lakers), Grace Bwire (Strathmore), Naomi Kemunto (USIU), Aurelia Opondo (Blazers) and Rayana Oyando (USIU).
The women’s team will be coached by Meshack Senge, assisted by Josephine Ataro, with Esther Mwikali as team manager. Others are: Rebecca Kaumba ( physio), Carole Okoth (doctor) and Elynah Sifuna (safeguarding officer).
Men’s team will be captained by Butali’s Kennedy Munialo, assisted by Jaguars’ Ivan Ludiali. Others are Goalkeepers: Samuel Silong (USIU), Joshua Omondi (Police); Defenders: Charles Ashihundu and Moses Muigai (Jaguar), Mathias Gularire (Sikh Union), Munialo and Edson Ndombi (Butali);
Defensive midfielders: Fred Ouma, Brian Azeze and Ludiali (Jaguars); Attacking midfield: Cliffe Omari (Sikh), James Muthii and Linton Nyayombe (USIU); Forwards: Bethuel Masambu, Alex Taiswa (Jaguar), Moses Ademba (Butalii), Vincent Wesonga (Daijkyo) and Sutcliffe Usagi (Sikh)
The team will be managed by Godfrey Bila, while Michael Malungu will be the head coach, assisted by Griffin Okombe. Other officials are Michael Maitha (physio), Joseph Osino (goalkeeping coach) and Nashon Randiek (head of delegation.
