Kenyans begin hunt for continental hockey glory

Butali Sugar's Francis Kariuki and Bethuel Wanyonyi of Western Jaguars during the 2023 Africa Cup for Men and Women's clubs championships at Sikh Union, Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Reigning Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men's Premier League champions Western Jaguars will lead Kenya's onslaught at this year's Africa Cup for Club Championships (ACCC) that begin on Thursday in Ismailia, Egypt.

Jaguars will lead first timers United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) and Nairobi Sikh Union in the chase for the elusive men's trophy.

USIU-A Spartans, who return to the competition after many years in the cold and debutants Mombasa Sports Club (MSC), shoulder the responsibility of wrestling the African trophy from Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). They will be looking to end the Ghanaians reign and reclaim the title last won in 2018 by Telkom Kenya now Blazers Hockey Club.

The three men's side on the other hand face an uphill task as they seek to win Kenya its second Africa gong in a competition that is now in its 35th edition.

Jaguars, the 2023 ACCC silver medallists are keen to make their third appearance on the continental scene count launch their campaign in Group A against Nigeria's Kada Stars.

Jaguars coach Mike Malungu said that they will be out for a good start because victory will boost their confidence as well as enhance their chances of playing in the final.

"We have prepared well and our aim is to do better than we did in Malawi. We finished second and this time just like every other team in the competition we are eyeing the ultimate prize," Malungu said.

Malungu will rely on the services of midfielder Irvan Ludiali who currently plies his trade with Dutch side Delta Venlo. Straight from high school, forward Hillary Angairwa will be out to impress and cement his place in Jaguars lineup. The experienced duo of defender Charles Ashiundu and goalkeeper Paul Navangi will be keen to ensure that their opponents don't succeed in breaking their back line.

USIU-A men will announce their arrival on the African stage against ACCC regulars GRA, who are still chasing their maiden trophy in Group B. Sikh Union which is also in Group B will have a rest day and is set to begin their quest tomorrow against homeboys Zamalek Club.

In the women's contest, USIU-A Spartans will be the first to take to the field against their hosts El Nasr Sporting Club in Group B. Novices MSC on the other hand will tackle Nigeria's Plateau Queens in another Group B tie. The group also has another home side Smouha Club which will not be in action today.

In Group A, defending champions GRA will begin their title defence against Nigeria's Kada Queens while Uganda's Kampala Hockey Club will face off with another Nigerian outfit Delta Queens.