The Kenya hockey union 2012 premier league is set to begin on the 18th or 25th of February, this comes after a meeting between union officials and club representatives held at city park hockey stadium over the weekend.
Though the agenda of the meeting was not completed, the KHU chairman Resham Bains expresses optimism that all was on course to set the league rolling in February. The meeting was pushed to be completed this weekend (28th January) at the same venue
The Kenya Hockey Union league has traditionally been faced by two main challenges, the inability of participating clubs to meet their financial obligations in time, and the resultant failure of the union to pay suppliers in time for technical work done. This is due to the fact that most clubs in the league are self-supporting clubs, dependent on contributions from players and well wishers.
The hockey league has become very competitive, especially with the entry of institutional teams such as United States International University, Strathmore University and Kenya College of Accountancy. Strathmore completed the 2011 league in position two in both the men’s and women’s leagues. Kenya Police and 11 time champions Orange ladies lifted the respective titles
Kenya Police proceeded to finish 3rd place in the Africa Club Championship while Strathmore University lost in the finals to African Champions Sharkia of Egypt.
Most teams have resumed training and are focusing on fitness sessions as they await word from the union on the commencement of the 2012 league. The league is widely expected to begin on the 18th or 25th of February.
A source close to the union confided that there is serious consideration for a two-way league (home and away), as opposed to the one-legged league format that has been in place in the 2011 season.
Most coaches have expressed their opinions that may go down as the most competitive season in the history of hockey in Kenya.
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