Multimedia University hockey team has enhanced training for the upcoming National Hockey League that starts in mid February. The team will be taking part in their second season and they are up for the challenge with one eye on the promotion spot to the Kenya Hockey League.
The team is also taking part in the ongoing university league as a form of preparation and their next match will be against University champions Kenyatta University on Saturday at the Kenyatta University sports ground. The team will be hoping to improve on their last year’s result which saw them finish in 4th position and missing out on promotion. It was an impressive performance bearing in mind the team was making their debut in the league and reaching the quarter finals of the University games held in Ruaraka last December.
According to MMU sports officer Mr. Karugu, the sky is the limit for the team despite a lot of challenges.
“I can remember the first time the team played against Premier side Kenya Police and lost 12-0. I remember our Captain came and told me that if police can just score 12 goals against us then we don’t have to fear any team in the League because we have the potential to be a great team in Kenya hockey League.” He added.
The team will be missing the services of some key players who went for Long holidays but Captain Geoffrey Asira believes that will not hinder their progress because the team has completed their recruitment process and he is confident that the new and young players can live up to their expectations.
“It is really sad that some of our key players will not be back to school before the season kicks off but I believe and trust the new players can step into their shoes and do a great job for the team. This season we will be a better team than last season and our goal is to earn promotion to the top flight. Our real competition will be our fellow students Kimathi University that has showed immense talent in the past season and tournament but we are looking forward for the challenge ahead of us and we believe we will beat them to that single spot for promotion.” He said
With the team conducting two training sessions daily under Coach Jalang’o, who is a former National hockey player, he trusts that the team is a much better side than last season.
“I can’t do anything about the players who are not with us because it’s the University Curriculum and as a coach, I can’t interfere with the education system in the University so I have to work with the current bunch of players but looking at their quality and determination I believe this season we will be promoted to the premier League.” he said.
The Kenya Hockey Union is yet to release the fixtures for the 2012 season but the coach projects a heavy season a head.
“It’s going to be a tough season because we will be playing two legs on home and away basis rather than on one leg. With the standard of Hockey improving, it’s a good development in the League as this will enhance Competition among the teams.” he said.
Like this Facebook page MICHEZOAFRIKA or follow us on Twitter @michezoafrika for timely updates