Hockey: Vivian Onyango headlines Lakers quartet as KHU names Commonwealth Games squad

Vivian Onyango of Lakers (blue) during Kenya Hockey Women Premier League played at Simba Club in Kisumu on July 6, 2019.(Washington Onyango/Standard)

Versatile Lakers Hockey Club defender Vivian Onyango is among four players from the Kisumu-based club that will fly high Kenya’s flag at the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham, United Kingdom after being named to the national team.

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) has named the national women’s hockey squad of 18 players for the Birmingham games.

Onyango who also plays for the national women’s Floorball team headlines the Lakers quartet of twins Alice and Maureen Owiti and goalkeeper Millicent Adhiambo.

The four might be joined by striker Aurelia Opondo who despite her recent form and goals for Kenya during her debut earlier this year has been placed in reserves.

Adhiambo, formerly with East African Secondary School hockey champion Sinyolo has been tasked with manning the post alongside Quinter Okore of the University of Nairobi.

This will be the second outing for the four players who won a bronze medal during the African Cup of Nations Championship that was held in Ghana early this year

Strathmore University forward Gilly Okumu and Blazer's midfielder Caroline Guchu are back on the national team.

The duo missed the Ghana outing and their experience and leadership are expected to inspire the team.

In the reserves, Rhoda Kuria, Tracy Karanja , Gaudencia Ochieng, Aurelia Opondo, Elsie Jemutai, Akoth Beverlyne and Maurine Wobomba will be on stand-by in case of any late changes.

Kenya is in Group ‘B’ alongside Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland.

Commonwealth Games Squad

Goalkeepers: Quinter Okore (University of Nairobi), Adhiambo Millicent (Lakers)

Defenders: Beatrice Mbuthia, Lynn Mumbi (USIU-A), Flavia Mutiva (Blazers), Vivian Onyango (Lakers)

Midfielders: Kipsanga Tamunai, Osare Jeriah, Nicole Odhiambo (Strathmore University), Grace Makokha-USIU-A

Midfielders/ forwards: Caroline Guchu, Maureen Okumu, Eleanor Chebet (Blazers), Kemunto Naomi (USIU-A), Gilly Okumu (Strathmore), Maureen Owiti, Alice Owiti (Lakers)

Forwards: Akoth Grace (Blazers)

Reserves: Rhoda Kuria, Tracy Karanja ,Gaudencia Ochieng, Aurelia Opondo, Elsie Jemutai, Akoth Beverlyne, Maurine Wobomba