NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 30 –Experienced Grace Akumu and Caroline Guchu will be the dependable players for the national women’s hockey team that will do duty in the Africa Cup of Nations slated for Ismailia, Egypt, from October 11–18.
The duo is among 18 players named by Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) president, KHU Nashon Randiek, on Tuesday at the Kenya Hockey Union’s City Park Stadium.
Kenya, coached by Meshack Senge, will be seeking to win the title for the first time after finishing third in the last edition held in Accra, Ghana, where South Africa continued their dominance, winning the title for a record seventh time.
The winner of the continental tournament will represent Africa in the World Cup.
Kenya will take on South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Ghana, and Egypt in the round robin format.
-Men’s team-
The corresponding men’s team, led by head coach Michael Malungu, features goalkeepers Samuel Silong (USIU) and Joshua Omondi (Kenya Police), with defenders Charles Ashihundu, Moses Muigaii, Mathias Gularire, and Edson Ndombi providing the backbone.
Just like their counterparts, Kenya will be out to write history to win a first-ever title after coming fourth in the last edition.
Randiek said the selections reflected a balance of experience and youthful energy from the Under-21, adding that both squads are capable of competing strongly against Africa’s best.
“We have included several Under-21s who were in Namibia. We are looking at the short-term and long-term development of the team, and from here onwards, we are targeting the African games and the Olympics,” said Randiek.
-Teams
WOMEN
Goalkeepers: Rebecca Nasambu (Blazers), Quinter Okore (Lakers)
Defenders: Vivian Onyango (Blazers), Lynne Tamunai (Strathmore), Rachael Khamala (Strathmore), Vanessa Sudi (Strathmore), Diana Bariti (Strathmore), Joan Anjao (Blazers)
Defensive Midfielders: Grace Akumu (USIU), Maureen Achieng (Lakers), Caroline Guchu (Lakers),
Attacking Midfielders: Eleanor Chebet (Blazers), Alice Owiti (Lakers), Maureen Okumu (Blazers), Grace Bwire (Strathmore), Naom Kemunto ( USIU)
Fowards: Aurelia Opondo (Blazers), Rayana Oyando (USIU)
Officials
Esther Mwikali – TM
Meshack Senge – Coach
Josephine Ataro – Assistant Coach
Rebecca Kaumba – Physio
Carole Okoth – Doctor
Elynah Sifuna – Safeguarding Officer
-MEN-
Goalkeepers: Samuel Silong (USIU), Joshua Omondi (Police)
Defenders: Charles Ashihundu (Jaguars), Moses Muigai (Jaguars), Mathias Gularire (Sikh Union), Kennedy Munialo (Butali), Edson Ndombi (Butali)
Defensive Midfielders: Fred Ouma (Jaguars), Brian Azeze (Jaguars), Ivan Ludiali (Jaguars)
Offensive midfielders: Cliffe Omari (Sikh Union), James Muthii (USIU), Linton Nayombe (USIU)
Forwards: Bethuel Nasambu (Jaguars), Moses Ademba (Butali), Alex Taiswa (Jaguars), Vincent Wesonga (Daikyo), Sutcliffe Usagi (Sikh Union)
Officials
Godfrey Bila – TM
Michael Malungu – Coach
Griffin Okombe – Assistant Coach
Michael Maitha – Physio
Joseph Osino – keeper coach
Randiek Nashon – HOD
