Job Omondi: Kenyan clubs miles behind Africa's top hockey teams

Dan Obongo

Wazalendo forward Dan Obongo (right) battles for the ball with national team player John Kaloti during their friendly match on November 14, 2021 at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Wazalendo secretary-general James Were stated that the lads had done well after their group opponents went all the way to the final.
  • The Kenyans lost all their Pool B matches to Egyptian sides Zamalek 1-0, Tairat 4-2 and hosts Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA) 1-0.

Wazalendo captain Job Omondi believes thay have a lot of ground to cover if they are to match their African competitors.

Omondi, who was speaking on Friday upon arrival from Ghana where the team failed to sparkle during the recently ended 2021 Africa Cup for Clubs Championships, said the gulf in class between the Kenyan club and their continental rivals was huge.

The Kenyans lost all their Pool B matches to Egyptian sides Zamalek (1-0), Tairat (4-2) and hosts Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA) (1-0).

Omondi said the sport has advanced while Kenyan clubs continue to lag behind.

"It was evident that the sport had changed and we need to change with the times. Structures and the technical approach of the game among other things. For a team that was from a place where they had not participated in the local league for two years, I think scoring goals against well oiled outfits was encouraging," said the forward.

"We had young players who rose to the occasion and although we were not lucky, we have picked lots of positives and I hope that when we qualify for the next edition, they will see a different side. But I must say, the players gave their all," he added.

Wazalendo was the only Kenyan representative at the annual event after Kenya Hockey Union Premier League champions Butali Sugar Warriors failed to honour the event due to financial constraints.

New comers Tarait won the 32nd men's edition after they saw off compatriots Zamalek 7-2  in the final, while GRA won the title having defeated Delta Queens 3-0 in the final of the women's 23rd edition.

Wazalendo secretary-general James Were stated that the lads had done well after their group opponents went all the way to the final.

"Our group was tough. The players evidently were pushing for better performance however our competitors were superior. We have picked experience that we hope to use in the forthcoming events," offered Were.