Western Jaguars coach Mike Malungu has challenged more clubs to participate in the Africa Cup for Club Championship to uplift the standards of hockey in the country.
Jaguars finished second in this year's 34th men's edition, losing 4-2 to Egypt's Sharkia in their second appearance, their first coming in Nairobi in February.
Jaguars travelled to Blantyre, Malawi by road for three days where Kenya was also represented by Blazers and Lakers.
"More clubs need to grace the annual continental tournament if we want to realise growth both at the club and national team levels," the under-21 men's coach said.
"Exposure comes with experience that we currently lack to thrive at the international level. Clubs need to grab these opportunities when they arise."
Jaguars finished fifth in Nairobi and their performance in Malawi was hailed as 'a step in the right direction' by the gaffer who now wants his charges to fight for the national league title.
"The team is in the ascendency if the performance in Blantyre is any barometer. We are no longer a developing team. The boys have come of age. We now need to be consistent in the league if we have to win the title. Nothing is impossible but it calls for determination and grit," Malungu added.
Despite starting as underdogs in the ACCC finals, Malungu blamed the defeat on the lack of a cutting-edge in attack, something that he said has been an Achilles heel at all levels.
"We didn't take our chances and the wastefulness proved costly. Mental fortitude was a factor in the defeat but generally, I was impressed with the performance of the team," Malungu said.
"Every player upped his game. I cannot point out at individuals but maybe Sheldon Kipruto was outstanding for me because he saved us in the tight matches and made a difference."
Goalkeeper Newton Shivachi won the Most Valuable award in the category.
"I have few complaints about the performance on the side of the players. The outing will only instill belief into the team as we resume the league action in January next year."
