Kisumu Lakers were awarded a walkover win on Tuesday after Nigerian side Kada Queens failed to show up for the tournament. Lakers Hockey Club have impressed in the opening matches of the ongoing Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) Nairobi.
In three games, the Kisumu-based side have manged two wins, including a walkover and a draw.
Lakers opener was against multiple Kenyan champions Blazers whom they managed to hold to a 1-1 draw. Blazers pipped Lakers to number two spot in last season’s Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women’s Premier League.
Nigerian side Kada Queens did not make the trip to Nairobi, handing Lakers a walkover in their second fixture. To prove their worth, the Austin Tuju-coached side recorded an impressive 2-0 win over Ghanaian opponents Army Ladies.
Despite the good showing on the pitch, the team is still not settled financially, and are appealing for support from corporates and well wishers. “We pleaded with the organisers to allow us participate and honor our fixtures as we look for money to pay for match expenses,” Lakers Team Manager John Paul Otieno told Mozzart Sport.
According to a communication from the KHU before the start of the tournament, clubs had to pay a participation fee of Ksh 40,000, daily accommodation for two; an umpire and a judge at Ksh13,456, and their daily allowance of Ksh 3,738.
“It’s not been easy, but girls have showed great determination to make history. If we can give them something as a token of appreciation, I know they can be more motivated to do even better. My appeal is to the corporate world and well wishers to stand with us and the ladies.”
Lakers are participating in the continental championship for the very first time. The team has only featured in the Kenyan league for two seasons.
Source: mozzartsports.co.ke | February 16, 2023
