The 2012 Kenya Hockey Union Premier League is set to begin later in the month of February, and defending champions Telkom Orange will have to plan life without one of their most dependable player, Margaret Rotich who is set to leave for Italy on 20th February for a professional career in Europe.
The midfielder who also doubles up as a forward is set to join Rome's Superba club - a second division side in Italy. The former Mary Hill Secondary School student will not be the only player from Orange to land a deal in Europe, she follows the footsteps of Lillian Kimeu a former Telkom player who plays in Italian 1st division side Butterfly.
“I have always wanted to play professional hockey, Spain was my dream destination but Italy came calling, and I take it with open arms.”Said a jovial Rotich
It was during the Olympic qualifiers in Zimbabwe last year that her hard work was spotted by scouts from the Italian outfit.Rotich was turning out for the Kenyan team that finished second after losing in the finals to South Africa.
After the qualifiers, Rotich was contacted by the president of the club Mr. Puggioni who promised to help her make her dreams come true since they were impressed with her talent.What is now remaining is the required documentation from the local Federation - The Kenya Hockey Union - to complete the dream transfer.
Rotich was among the top scorers of the Kenyan league with over 16 goals last season and a key member of the defending champions. She now wishes her former teammates all the best as they seek to win more titles.
“I have been at the club since 2008, they have made me who I am, I pray for their success to continue to continental level,” they took me straight from high school when I was naïve now I am moving to a higher level. To me that is a great achievement for our team and the entire technical bench. My success is their glory.” Said Rotich
The 22 year old got her first call up to the national team back in 2008 where she represented the team in the U-21 world cup qualifiers in Cairo Egypt.
She was in the Telkom Orange team which won the 2009 Africa club championship hosted by Kenya and the team that finished fifth in Ghana in 2010.Telkom did not take part in last year’s edition of the African championship hosted in Lusaka Zambia as the club withdrew from taking part at the last minute due to financial constraints.
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