Kenya to host first East African hockey 5-a-side tournament next month

Kenya will host the first ever edition of Talent Acquisition Programme (TAP) East Africa hockey 5-a-side youth tournament at the City Park Hockey Stadium. The tournament that is set to be played between February 15 and 17 will feature national teams from Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles and hosts Kenya.

Kenya Hockey Union Secretary General Wycliffe Ongori said the aim of the tournament is to expand the sport in the East African region.

“There are growing concerns by FIH that the sport has stalled and African Hockey decided that for the sport to continue to grow they should organise mini events and that’s why the East region has decided to stage the 5-a-side event,” said Ongori.

Michael Malungu has been confirmed to be the head coach of the Kenyan sides. Malungu was in charge of the team that represented the country in the Africa Youth games in Algeria last year leading them to qualify for the Youth Olympics in Argentina.

Much will be expected from the Kenyan sides because of the experience advantage they hold over their competitors as well as home ground advantage.

Kevin Namunwa is a reporter with Business Today. He is also a journalism student at Daystar University with interest in sports and business. He can be reached on email at: